Glasgow West End: Pat's Guide Diary Archive

Thursday, 19th October, 2000

I dropped along to Hyndland Road last night to meet up with some of the members of Kelvinside Allotments, as we want to put a page on the Web site about thier interesting gardening activities in the heart of the West End.

Jim was at the second West End Lecture so I was on my own with the lap tap - I think I need another run through, however, Kit, the son of one of the allotment holders was at hand and put his IT knowledge to good use. So thank you Kit.

I am looking forward to another event at John Smith's at the Glasgow Outdoor Experience where Ian Mitchell launches his latest book tonight. I have a lot to do before then including six hours work at Glasgow Caledonian University so the skates have to go on.

New content added in the last few days:

• Poetry - Way Out West Drumchapel Writer's Group (25/10/2000)
• Hollow Man, Oh Brother Where Art Thou? Christina's New Film Crits. (20/10/2000)
• Ian R. Mitchell Launches new book: On the Trail of Queen Victoria (18th October, 2000)
• Hill Walking in Islay, Jura and Ratagan:Helen Rose's Hill Walking Diary (15th October, 2000)
• Book Review: Along Great Western Road by Gordon R. Urquhart (13th October, 2000)
• Jim's West End Photo Diary October 2000 (12th oct 2000)

Wednesday, 18th October, 2000

I'm being particularly conscientous writing my diary two days running. The main reason is that I want to highlight the launch of Ian Mitchell's new book 'On the Trail of Queen Victoria in the Highlands' so I'll be trotting along once more to John Smith's at the Glasgow Outdoor Experience, Couper Street - tomorrow at 6.30 p.m. to hear Ian talking about his new book. Ian R. Mitchell: Writer and Mountaineer

Yesterday was a very interesting day - I managed to see Allen Richardson's Exhibition at Hillhead Library and loved his etchings of well known West End scenes. It is great that he is doing so well - there were plenty of red stickers in sight!

Afterwards I met Julie G. resplendant in her shocking pink socks - I kid you not! We had a nice lunch in the Underground Gallery, which is becoming increasing busy and I ran into Margaret McKechnie, last time I saw her she was off for a long trip to Australia. She had the nerve to inform me that for good measure she included Canada and America in her travels. I must admit I felt just a tad envious. We'll manage that holiday yet.

Later on in the day I met up with Lesley Riddoch in Otago - she is as stimulating and lively off the radio as she is on air and I intend featuring her soon in our Characters Section. Jim came along later and we had a varied and interesting conversation intent on putting the world to rights.

I must dash as I have a meeting with the folk from Kelvinside Allotments - I hope they enjoy looking at Jim's July Photodiary which includes lots of photos of the allotments from their Open Day during the West End Festival.

Tuesday, 17th October, 2000

Over the week-end Jim and I have been out and about enjoying the sunshine in between bouts of frenetic attachment to computers. Jim had a rare day of work on Friday and we had a long, leisurely lunch with Julie G and Jess in Brel in Ashton Lane. We had some lovely dry white wine, although their speciality is Belgian beer and lager, and this no doubt oiled the vocal cords and we did not stop to catch breath.

On Saturday we had a wee prowl round the shops in De Courcy's, Cresswell Lane and caught up with Nerea, Al-Andalus who is off to Croatia for a holiday. We also called into Nancy Smillie's looking for Basia, she was away on holiday, however, I had a wee chat with Nancy and we were glad we had called in as there were so many lovely things in stock. The gun metal coloured bedcovers are very stylish and a gloriously coloured ceramic vase caught my eye, pricey but fantastic. There are also some lovely pieces of furniture with some attractive items at sale price - very tempting.

We had a wee wander round Mumbo Jumbo too and I must do a page on this shop as it is a wee bit different and very popular. Like all the other shops it was very busy so I hope our hard working shop keepers get 'a good turn' leading up to Christmas. I know that Orro are doing really well, when I called into see them they had some exciting news - they have a new shop opening in the Merchant City - well done Neil and Graeme.

It was such a lovely day that we headed for the Botanic Gardens - it was glorious with all the trees turning to their Autumn colours. Jim wanted to show me the amazing Sago Plant, which he had photographed in the greenhouse. It is really spectacular and worth a wander in just to have a look.

Before heading home we stopped off at The North Star for some lovely Sical coffee and almond and orange cake with creme fraiche - delicious!

On Sunday we had breakfast at the Lansdowne, which is doing a roaring trade in the evenings. So much so that, much to their embarrassment, the Sunday Times Food Critic was turned away on Saturday evening. Very popular with the BBC crowd - it is becoming very much the place to be seen. It definitely has great breakfasts - as I was up with the lark on Sunday and had my breakfast early. I had lunch instead - the best pate I have tasted and Caesar Salad. Delicious and beautifully presented.

We went to visit my brother John at Bridge of Weir and drove to the lovely Kilmacolm where we walked off some of our eating stints. Later we visited the newly weds Danny and Ann, back from their honeymoon in Majorca.

Yesterday, my son John helped in our Marketing Department and run off some leaflets and distributed them in the Woodlands area. More and more people are coming on the Web site and we now have had more than 130,000 visitors - not all from the West End of course. I love looking at the stats reports and was thrilled a week or two ago when we had a visitor from the South Pacific. I left John hard at work and went off for a stint at Rosemount, where I am enjoying planning a Web site for the project with my old colleagues.

We had lots of visitors yesterday, apart from John, Danielle and Sarah, my niece and grandniece, also called up. Sarah has just started school and is loving it - she is becoming quite accomplished on our piano, an old violin we have and a banjo!

In the evening, Andy, Susanne, and Baby Rae McGreevy visited us last night and it was good to catch up with them - you can see some of Susanne's great paintings on the Web site. Susannegreat paintings on the Web site. We have not quite got back into the entertainment mode since the property refurbishment scheme ended. I think I'll need to plan a party. We will definitely need to mark our first year as an official Web site in December.

Today I am off to see Allan Richardson's Exhibition of his etchings at Hillhead Library - his work is very popular and selling like hot cakes. Allan is a well known character in the West End employed by Glasgow City Council as a road sweeper - maybe not for much longer! Then I have a meeting in Otago this afternoon. I also need to prepare for a meeting this week with the Kirklee Allottment Holders, who have invited me along. We have some great allottment photographs from our visit there in the summer so I'll have to dig them out. Better get to it.

Wednesday, 11th October, 2000

We should soon be even more informative about the West End as tonight was Jim's first night at the West End Lectures at Glasgow University. He has just returned and was delighted that Gordon Urquhart was the first speaker as he is a big fan of his book 'Along Great Western Road'

Jim is going to put up some information about the lectures on the site - they are described as "magnificient" and the programme does look impressive. Some of you may be tempted along to this series of "erudite and stimulating discussions" about Glasgow's West End.

I stayed at home to watch the football, Scotland v Croatia, with some, as it turned out, unnecessary trepidation, as the result was one goal each. It was particularly enjoyable as Pat Nevin was the pundit and Billy McNeill one of the commentators. Channel Five are not all bad! Dare we look forward to competing in the World Cup?

Like everyone else I am shocked by the news of Scotland's First Minister, Donald Dewar's death from a brain haemorrhage. He was held in high regard and was a very able and effective politician. He will be very greatly missed and has played an important role in Scotland's history as leader of the first Scottish Parliament, I don't know who will follow him in the role of First Minister - maybe Henry McLeish.

Tuesday, 10th October, 2000

Yesterday Jim and I had lunch with Avril Paton at her home and we were thrilled to get a preview of her latest work - a streetscape of Edinburgh around the Grassmarket area. Quite a departure from the Glesga tenement. It looks like it is going to be a cracker and we felt privileged to see this 'work in progress'.

I am learning quite a bit about the art world in the West End and there seems to be a lot of hard work going on. My previous knowledge of artists stems from hanging out with the students from the art school, when I worked in the State Bar as a part-time waitress many moons ago. In contrast, the commitment and drive among current local artists, successful and striving, is remarkable.

I left Avril's West End home carefully clutching photographs of her first abstracts. She had often experimented with this genre and finally "cracked it two years ago". I am now busy scanning in the results, which will be shown on the Web site soon. I am not the world's number one art critique but I have chosen my favourites from a range of skilfully balanced and sometimes humourous paintings. I'll get them up as soon as I can and you can see what you think.

We, of course, had breakfast out on Sunday and for a change tried Cul de Sac in Ashton Lane. It was quite nice, generous portions and plenty of toast with jam, which I enjoyed, but Jim's was a bit on the cool side. It is a nice restaurant and the staff are friendly and laid back but it is popular and therefore pretty busy. In fact the busiest place I've seen on ur regular Sunday excursions.

Today I visited my family in Old Kilpatrick to let them see Danny (my brother) and Anne's wedding photographs and as usua

Saturday, 29th July, 2000

I have not been out much this past week as I have been catching up on my administrative tasks and entertaining friends returning from holiday (Eleanor back from Tuscany and Jackie from an exciting visit to the Lebanon). Julie G. will be back from Donegal today so I'll look forward to hearing all about her trip. However, I made a brief excursion up the street on Thursday to investigate the new backpackers' hostel 'Bunkum' - Jim Kinnell, the proprietor, showed me all round. His enthusiasm is impressive - a keen backpacker himself he has a good idea what is required and his guests seem highly impressed by this new facility in Hillhead Street. Although not venturing far from the West End myself - Julie H and I had a bit of excitement yesterday when we were trapped in Little Italy when the heavens burst. We just had to stay put and have mocha and some wonderful pizza. We had a chat with Paulo, the manager and James Clark - who came third in the Delifrance European Sandwich Making Competition - you are a star James! Fortunately, Jim and Michael Bowes were also sheltering in Little Italy (one of their favourite places for hanging out) and transported us from door to door with the aid of their Polo and golf umbrella. Chivalry is clearly not dead - and we were most grateful. Julie and I had been meeting with Andrew Perratt from the Robb Agency, in Byres Road (the West End's most go ahead Estate Agents). Julie is developing a database system to enable them to upload and download their properties onto our Web site so that the information is very up to date. Yesterday, I took Jess's advice and tried the mocha frappe in Esquire's in Cresswell Street and it was delicious right enough - this place has fairly taken off. I had been to have my hair cut at Winston's, where he gave me a "whole new look"! I met his lovely little son Hero, whom I had heard so much about. They are both off to Austria today on their hols. (I am getting a wee bit envious of all these travellers). On the way home I dropped into The Craftsmen as they have a great little sale going on at present - I bumped into Maggie Graham and her fiancee Douglas - in to buy some cards and gifts.

Monday, 24th July, 2000

Still on my health kick I went to Scotstoun Leisure Centre with Val and Eileen again on Saturday - the facilities there are fantastic and it is great to see it so well used. We had a good time despite the introduction of some slow torture in the form a hot pink elastic exercise band. Afterwards I went to Old Kilpatrick to catch up with the relatives - we are all getting prepared for my sister, Catherine and my neice, Lauren visiting us from Canada. We need this kind of event to kick us into the 'house beautiful' mode. On Sunday morning I had a nice surprise when the residential equivalent of "office angels" appeared on my doorstep in the form of Issi and her friend Mags: younger and lither they managed to resurrect my kitchen from the debris left by the workmen. The living room is also looking good and it is great not to be sharing the house with the hard hat brigade - much as I am grateful to them for preventing our building collapsing. Anyway I have not been out at all and I am waiting on a report back from Val and Eileen on the new restaurant round the corner 'Otago', previously Cafe Alba. Jim popped in and had a chat with them there last night when he was out on another photo shoot opportunity. Today I had another day at home but happily I received a lot of e-mails and there were also several comments added to the Web site - so keep them coming they cheer me up. It was particularly good to hear from Janey Godley, who is at present in New York, where she is working as Entertainments Correspondent for the BBC. Have a great time in Queens Janey and thanks for getting in touch.

Friday, 21st July, 2000

The weather has been glorious all week - the parks are looking brilliant and Jim has some great new photographs to prove it. However, we have both been suffering a bit from a pollen overdose so yesterday we steered clear of the greenery and headed down to the riverside. We paid another visit to Clyde Maritime Museumand wandered around the Tall Ship - it is fascinating and there is a really interesting illustrated history of the ship's refurbishment. There were not too many people about, which is a pity as it's a great spot and right beside Heritage House Antiques if you are looking for some classy furnishings. I enjoyed a chat with Julie and Joe from Old Kilpatrick, who own Lovejoy Antiques, then we went further up the river to the City Cafe where we dined al fresco. We both had delicious haricot bean soup with truffle sauce and shared a wicked exotic rice pudding - it was lovely sitting in the sunshine with the breeze coming off the river and the unstimulated allergies were another plus. All in all a lovely day out - I can recommend it. This morning I went to Aspire gym and popped into Acanthus where I met Jim - it was his first time in the lovely flower shop and he was suitably impressed and needed no coaxing to whip out the camera. Afterwards we went into town for an hour and bought some lovely lampshades at the sales in Buchanan Galleries. We also stopped off at Grassroots to stock up on some healthy foods. I met Val for tea at The North Starthis evening - it is consistently wonderful and we enjoyed our 'little plates'. When I came home I had a long blether on the phone with Jess Jess's Jaunt she had a great time in New York, - makes me want to go there - maybe in the Autumn when it is cooler. Everyone seems to be on holiday, just going or coming back. In fact it looks like half of the West End will be in Tuscany this year!

Monday, 17th July, 2000

What a gorgeous day for Glasgow Fair Holiday Monday - the Botanics was full and overflowing. We had a nice stroll there yesterday after making a major purchase of a brilliant carpet at Al-Andalus in De Courcey's. ( I am gathering material to put a page up on this fantastic shop). We met lots of friends, family and neighbours in the Park taking advantage of the lovely weather and had long blethers with Keiran Docherty (Rev Doc to his friends), Jim's Mum Rena (Christina's Crits) and his sister Rose, and Jim's friend Kevin and his girlfriend Lynne. Afterwards we met Val for an early dinner in Sal e Pepe. The food was delicious and service by our friendly waitress Kathryn Knox - was perfect. She was in fine form just having gained her Degree in Zoology from Glasgow University. Today Jim and I went to Paisley as we wanted to see John Byrne the artist's (no relation)Exhibition but we were disappointed to find that the Museum and Art Gallery is closed on Mondays. This is what happens when you move out of your own territory! Anyway we will catch it some time soon. I have been busy working on my newsletter and will send it out sometime this week - we are just finalising a few things on the Web site. There are a couple of great new pages up - Avril Paton, well kent artist and young trip to the Michael Bowes I have also been busy preparing for more training at Rosemount tomorrow afternoon and at lunch time I am off to Jester's to meet . Janey Godley

13th July, 2000

I've still to catch up with Jess properly but she is back safe and sound and had a great time in NY so our weekly What's On is back in her capable hands.

I had a busy, interesting and virtuous morning. The virtuous relating to the fact that I was at the gym - I went there after supping some Earl Grey in The Underground Gallery, where I met Christine and Jez, who aim to introduce something quite new to events and catering in Glasgow. I was fascinated by their ideas and you'll be able to learn more about them on the Web site soon.

I had a chat with some of the shop keepers in Cresswell Lane - Nancy Smillie's has some fabulous jewellery in at the moment and have a a sale on! I had to catch up with Nerea from Al-Andalus - her shop is choc a bloc with new stock from exotic lands - I am picking one up at the weekend.

On my way to the gym I popped in to the beautiful Acanthus (if you like flowers give yourself a treat and get down there - 37 Ruthven Lane) and I also had a look in Kendal's, where I bought a lovely new butter dish.

Tonight Jim has a gig in the City Centre in 13th Note, King Street - so if you are out and about looking for some groovy sounds I'll see you there!

Tuesday, 11th July, 2000

0ver the past week I've been enjoying seeing the students coming and going from Glasgow University, all scrubbed up beautifully for their graduations - doesn't take much for the bohemians to become the sophisticates. They've been trotting round the local pubs and restaurants celebrating in style with lots of proud parents and pals in tow. This bi-annual activity certainly lends a pleasant touch to the West End ambience.

Jim and I have been busy meeting interesting people including Harry Kelly, who has written a wonderful book 'Scottish Ceramics', which we spotted in The Studio a while back. Watch out for more about Harry and his work on the Web site very soon.

On Saturday we took a trip to Perthshire and Clackmannanshire - we passed Kinross and saw lots of drookit, but cheerful, music fans on their way to T in the Park. We stayed out of the rain and called in at some of the Mills in Alva and Tillicoultry - if you are looking for big name garments at low prices it's worth stopping off if you are in the area.

We had our breakfast atThe Lansdowne on Sunday and it was superb - we had the works, beautifully cooked and presented and loads of toast and tea. Kept us going all day! We had a chat with Brian McDade the owner - an interesting West End entrepreneur - he certainly knows what he is doing in the restaurant business.

I am awaiting the return of Jess Fitzgerald and looking forward to hearing about her big jaunt to New York.

Wednesday, 5th July, 2000

I have been out making an honest crust delivering training on the Internet and Web site Design - exhausting but very enjoyable. Those women at Rosemount sure know how to work. Jim came along and took over from me this afternoon and his lesson on HTML went down well. I'll have a break now for a week or two before I have another stint in the training programme so that will give me a chance to get my newsletter out and bring some of the Web site pages up to date. Jim is away ahead of me and has started his July photo diary

I had a pleasant stroll down Byres Road this afternoon and had a blether and a laugh with Winston, Anne and Douglas. Douglas informed me that Maggie Graham's book "Sitting Among the Eskimos" is doing very well and the publicity continues with a television interview coming up and discussions taking place regarding making it into a play for television. Maggie Graham: writer

I'm hoping to pop round to the University tomorrow to see the graduates - while I'm on the subject congratulations to my niece Danielle Young and Patrick Gorevan, both of whom have passed with honours. Well done too to Matt McCusker, who has been chosen to play for Great Britain's Under 21's American Football Team in the European Cup.

Although I have been out and about less than usual Jim and I had dinner on Saturday night at the City Cafe at Finnieston Quay - it was lovely, tres chic and not too expensive. A great spot for a summer night or afternoon coffee on the Clydeside. On Sunday we had breakfast at Cafe Jaconelli on Maryhill Road - freshly cooked, very filling and so cheap! We will go back some Saturday or week day and have a look in Queen's Cross Church (one of Macintosh's great buildings) as Jaconelli's is right beside it and we have still to sample their ice cream.

Friday, 30th June, 2000

Jim and I have been keeping busy submitting proposals for Internet training and Web site design. Busy, busy, busy - still I have managed to pop in to some of my local Hillhead coffee bars for the odd chat and coffee. I met Ian Mitchellon Wednesday morning round the corner in Costa Coffee Shop - he really is a font of information and his contributions to the Web site are very welcome. The Heilanman's Umbrella and the Teuchter Trail In the afternoon I met Julie G. in Sal e Pepe - I'm assisting her in checking out lunch menus for her son Patrick's graduation. In the evening I trotted off to Scotstoun Leisure Centre with Val and Eileen for a very rigorous work out and on Thursday was back in Scotstoun once again visiting the Wilson Family - Issi, Davie and I had a lovely walk round Victoria Park. It really is gorgeous - I particularly like the North Entrance with its avenue of stately lime trees and the beautiful really 'rocky' gardens. If you have not been to Victoria Park it is worth a trip - go during the day and you can have a look at the Fossil Grove.The Fossil Grove (30th May 2000) I am missing Jess as she is in New York on her hols but have done my best to update her Jaunt. Keep you eyes peeled for an in depth report of her trip to New York.

Monday, 25th June, 2000

I enjoyed some of the last few events in the West End Festival on Saturday night Jim and I met up with Val and John and Julie and Gerry at the Metro where we had a very tasty supper and listened to 'Strictly Songtime' performing Gershwin numbers. They were very talented and Metro is a smashing venue and lends itself very well to this type of function. I had a whistle stop tour of a few of the events on Saturday. First of all I popped round to Holyrood Garden Fete which was a real tribute to the efforts of the local community, who were all having a great time, and laughingly explained that really they are just recycling their own junk, which can be spotted in a neighbours house after the fete. The proceeds from the fete are used to maintain the communal garden so I willingly forked out and bought a raffle ticket, had some lovely home baking and a cup of tea and bought a fancy dessert spoon. I spotted a few famous folk lending their support to the event. After I left I could not resist nipping into one of the Asian fabric shops in the area and then I caught the bus along to Byres Road where I was meeting Jim at the Loch Lomond Craft Fair at Hillhead Library. This was very well attended and there was all the usual craft work on display including some great jewellery. However, the highlight of our day was a fascinating trip to Kirklee Allotments. Jim and I had a great time there talking to the allotment owners and their buddies: Frampton, Ian and Eddie were very informative and we left laden with local produce including honey, lettuce, chives and shallots and picked up all the hot gossip down at the allotments. Jim took lots of photographs so keep your eyes peeled on his June gallery. Yesterday, we felt like a little trip to the seaside and drove down to the Ayrshire coast and blew away a few cobwebs. We ate some of the famous Nardini ice cream, had fish and chips for tea and returned in time to watch some of Euro 2000. Not exactly West End sophistication but very enjoyable. At the weekend I had lots of e-mails from visitors to the web site from USA and Canada who are trying to trace their West End ancestors. I get a variety of questions asked, however, there is a particular focus on some areas including renting property and where to have weddings and get togethers. I'll need to think about how we can extend the web site to respond with relevant information on these topics and I am working on the houses for sale and rent section. So keep letting me know what interests you and anyone with ideas and wanting to get involved on a regular basis get in touch: pat@glasgowwestend.co.uk

Saturday, 24th June, 2000

Don't ask me where the time goes - I can't believe we have arrived at the week-end already. I've been out and about quite a lot this week and have managed to meet up with lots of friends in some of my favourite spots: Jim and I had lunch at North Star Delicatessens and Speciality Food Shops I met the usual suspects (Eleanor, Jackie and Joan) at Oblomov on Wednesday, and lunched alone and peacefully at the Firebird in Yorkhill (I popped in while in the area choosing paint at Alexander's - this is a really brilliant paint shop in Old Dumbarton Road). However, apart from all this dining out I have finally managed to join the gym and have been to Aspire in Ruthven Lane for two sessions and have booked to go back. Nothing if not enthusiastic I also joined Val, Eileen and Margaret at Scotstoun Leisure Centre for a very strenuous body toning class. I think some of the new additions to the Web site have made me feel a bit of a couch potato - particularly . Helen Rose's Hill Diary Yesterday, was more relaxing and I met Julie G. for our usual natter. We had some lovely french toast and tea in The Underground Gallery in Cresswell Lane and a wander around Byres Road. Before setting off to babysit the lovely and lively Juliette we had a coffee in Bonhams. I have not been there for ages and it is really nice and very interesting as it was the original entrance to the Grosvenor Cinema. We had a lovely time with Juliette and I was entranced by the lovely back gardens in Partickhill where we went for a stroll with the pram. I have taken some photographs - if they don't turn out well I'm sure Jim will take some superior photographs there so that we can post them on the site. Today we have a lot lined up and want to catch some of the last events in the festival: The garden fete at Holyrood Crescent, Kirklees' allotments and the craft fair in Hillhead Library and tonight we are off to the Metro in Cressell Lane to listen to some Gershwin with Val, John, Gerry and Julie.

Monday, 19th June, 2000

The last few days have been a bit hectic - no grocery shopping was done at all. The highlights were: a great night out at The Polish Club in Parkgrove Terrace, where we enjoyed a night of music and poetry on Saturday night - we will be going back to try out this authentic Polish restaurant. Frequented by the Polish community in the West End but also open to the public Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. We left the Polish Club in time to join in the festivities (or celebrations) in Kelvingrove Park for the West End Festival's Burn Gigantic event - and very spectacular it was. The Park was never quite like this before - with torch lit dancers undulating to the pipes and the burning of the giant sculpture it was pretty alternative and a great way to celebrate midsummer. On Friday I had a nice wander round the lanes and popped into some of my favourite shops including Moon, where there is some lovely summer stock in - and delightful accessories. If you can't afford a new frock for that wedding take Annie Good's advice and buy a delightful little handbag to make that statement. There is a great new florist's Acanthus in Ruthven Lane (334 9101). The shop is opposite Kendall's gift shop - between the two you'll have no more problems buying those birthday presents. Joan Douglas the owner of Acanthus is intent on providing a really excellent neighbourhood service - her many years of retail experience with John Smith's Bookshops should stand her in good stead. It's good to see some of the staff turning their redundancies around and making a positive start in new areas. I think Acanthus will be a big success. While I was in the area I signed up for a free trial at our local gym Aspire - Tuesday is the big day - I may be looking healthier and trimmer in future photographs.

Tuesday, 13th June, 2000

We survived the West End Opening Parade on Sunday despite the poor weather conditions. In fact we had a pretty good time as we (Jim, Jess and her friend Margo and myself) managed to get a seat outside Little Italy - it was a great vantage point for spotting friends and aquaintances passing by. We met some of the Gorevan clan - Rachel, Sophie and Martin, Laura, Alan and their three sons, Maggie Graham and Douglas (I'll be going to Maggie's book launch at Waterstone's this Thursday), Dave Anderson was out and about (and also performing), I spotted Charlie McInally but did not get a chat and we met up with Frankie and Julie to listen to some of the bands -so all in all it was pretty convivial. Yesterday, I took a walk round to Wellington Church (although it is right beside us I had never been in this very impressive building on University Avenue). I wanted to have a look at their Exhibition "Four Weddings and a Funeral" - a multi-cultural millennium exhibition. It is a very interesting exhibition with loads of work put into it - it highlights the clothing and customs relating to weddings in Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Ghanian cultures. The people working at the exhibition were very helpful and welcoming and Linda Begley the organiser came and chatted with me. Some school children who were there at the same time as me, were fascinated. However, Iit was pretty quiet so I hope lots more people manage along as it is well worth a visit. The exhibition is very educational and the building itself is fantastic. Today Julie and I had our usual coffee with baby Juliette in Metro Brasserie (we are planning to go to their West End Festival event 'Broadway at the Brasserie - Strictly Songtime' on Saturday 17th or 'Crazy for Gershwin' on Saturday 24th. At £12 each including supper it's pretty good value.) While I was in Cresswell Lane I could not resist popping into Al-Andalus to have a look at their fabulous carpets. I am assured by Nerea Aguirre, the shopkeeper from San Sebastian, that every one is an individual - I think she is right as I have yet to spot two alike. There is a 20% discount at the moment so it's a good time to buy. We had hoped to go on the Friends of the West End Walking Tour 'Tenement Life' tonight but it is sold out so I'll watch a wee bit of Euro 2000 and then do some painting. Our scaffolding started coming down today so we will soon see daylight again. Great!

Sunday, 11th June, 2000

Had a funky, groovin night at Cottiers last night at The Liveliest Night of the Year and I am now Carlos Pena ey Sus Muchachos number one fan. Jim thought they were great too - we were tempted to try the tango but I suppose you need a bit of practice! We are setting off for our usual Sunday breakfast and looking forward to the parade and the bands in Byres Road.

Saturday, 10th June, 2000

Glad to say the weather has been pleasant for the first day of the West End Festival. We are looking forward to a fortnight of fun filled activities and will be reviewing lots of the events. http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/festival I have been discovering some interesting activity in the Hillhead area - on Thursday I spotted a sign for a new Tea house in Otago Lane and had to trot along to investigate. Tchai-nuova has been set up by six young people aiming to offer an alternative experience - they are working their socks off clearing ground and creating a relaxed and pleasant environment where you can chill out and sup a range of teas. (Something interesting for my Restaurant News).Tchai-nuova I'll need to go back along for more information and to check that I am spelling the name correctly. On Friday morning I met Ian Mitchell, the writer, who is kindly providing me with information on interesting walks, in and around the West End, including the 'Teuchtar Walk'. I enjoyed a latte with Ian in Cafe Anti Pasti and afterwards ventured out of the West End into the Merchant City. I went down to see my brother in law Stephen's new shop 'Tribal Junki' at the corner of Bell Street and Candleriggs - some great street wear for the clubbers and the cool. Stephen is the entrepreneur in the family so hopefully his skills will rub off on us. After leaving Stephen's shop I walked through George Square and went aboard 'The Glasgow Clipper' - the yatch will compete against seven other UK cities in a Round the World race and is open to the public over the week-end. The nine month race starts at Portsmouth in October and eleven winners of The Evening Times Clipper Competition will take part. A great adventure, however, it was adventure enough for me climbing down from the deck to the living quarters - I had to leave my vegetables and fruit up on deck and when I climbed back up again I had to emerge on all fours. Pauline, one of the happy winners, was good enough to bring my messages along the deck to me. It was all pretty undignified and in the middle of George Square - I don't get into these scrapes in the West End. Anyway I was impressed by the yatch and it will be exciting following the race - and before that we have Euro 2000 starting tonight. Just a pity Scotland is not involved.

Wednesday, 7th June, 2000

Yesterday I had a very pleasant day: I met up with author of the award winning 'Sitting Among the Eskimos' Maggie Graham in the Chip and then we went on to see Julie G and baby Juliette in the Metro. Later on Sophie, Juliette's French mama joined us - we were all highly entertained by the antics of Juliette dancing on the table top and showing us her second tooth which has just appeared. However, we managed to combine business with pleasure and have finally agreed on the winners from our School's Writing Competition - winners to be announced shortly. I spent last night beavering away drafting proposals for Web site designs and Internet training courses but not complaining as the bread has got to go on the table somehow. I took Maggie's book to bed and read a good few chapters before dropping off - it fairly took me back to my days at Glasgow University and captures some of the hilarious goings on among the student population in the West End. The wonder of the World Wide Web will never cease to amaze me and I have just e-mailed Jim to tell him that one of his photographs from the Web site has been used by Indiana University, Plant Reproductive Biology - amazing! Powder Puff Tree

Tuesday, 6th June, 2000

I returned from my trip to Donegal on Friday after a great time catching up with all my relations in Ireland. On Saturday I had a nice surprise as a few of my colleagues from Rosemount, where I used to work, had a wee get together in Grassroots. Val, Bernie, Maggie and myself had a nice lunch and a good blether. It was my first time in Grassroots and I can recommend it - especially to vegetarians. On Sunday Jim and I had breakfast at Cafe Cherubini on Great Western Road - a bit different with home made Italian sausage (it didn't look too lovely but was really tasty). Afterwards we had a wee wander around some of the crescents off Great Western Road - I have a real hankering for a wee garden. We also had a look in at some of the Asian Fabric Shops. The St George's Cross end of Great Western Road is great for shoppers interested in furniture, dress making and Eastern delicacies. We had an interesting chat with Ali Malik who runs Zum Zum Fabrics, 294 Great Western Road (a family business since 1976). Ali is involved in Radio Awaz - From East to West and he assured us that it will be back up and running again very soon. Jim has been busy with the Web site while I was away and we are both getting geared up for the West End Festival - which starts on 10th June. Our venture in designing the Web site for the festival has received very positive response so we are thrilled about that. You can have a look at http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/festival/

Friday, 26th May, 2000

Yesterday Jim and I had some work to do in Royston so we took the opportunity to visit the High Street at lunch time. It's a really interesting area with the Necropolis towering beyond the Cathedral, the religious Museum and the oldest house in Glasgow - the Provan's Lordship (which is being done up at the moment). We had lunch in the Religious Museum (not marvellous) and then had a wander around the Cathedral, which is really impressive, we did not have nearly enough time. but had a we look around Blacader's Crypt. In the evening back to the West End for the launch of Alasdair Gray's 'The Book of Prefaces' at John Smith's University Bookshop. It was quite an event with all the literati and gliterati there for the occasion but with the hilarious and most endearing Mr Gray in command no one could stand on their dignity - he was a hoot. The back up act were very impressive and included Janice Galloway and other writers who contributed to the book. Afterwards Jim and I visited Avril Paton, the artist at Athol Gardens - we had a long chat about Web sites, paintings and e-commerce and made a lot of plans. Today I have been busy indoors getting packed for a wee trip to Ireland to visit my relatives - I'll be wandering down Byres Road at the crack of dawn to catch the bus. I'll even get to see the south side of the City en route. Have a happy Bank Holiday.

Tuesday, 23rd May, 2000

We didn't go out for our usual Sunday breakfast as we had a lot of catching up to do with the Web site, however, our afternoon was pretty full. We had a good browse around Ruthven Lane and made some purchases in Circa, Sheila Murdoch's very classy new retro shop, and also Kendal's, where I bought some really attractive and very cheap pottery. There is a lot happenning in this neck of the woods and I think there will be more and more detours off of Byres Road into the Lanes. After our shopping spree we headed into town with the aim of seeing West End artist, Avril Paton's painting of Glasgow School of Art. You will find it within the MacIntosh Exhibition at The Lighthouse - the whole exhibition is really interesting and Avril's latest work is outstanding. We finished up with tea in Miss Cranston's in Gordon Street - I think the old style tea rooms still have the edge on the coffee shops or was I just persuaded by the hazelnut meringues? On Sunday evening Jim, my brother Roger and myself had a lovely walk round Kelvingrove Park. We went to see the azalea gardens in full bloom and then walked over Kelvin Way and round the Park up into Park Circus and back through some of the very interesting mews to Woodlands. Unfortunately, the film in Jim's camera was almost finished but no doubt he'll be heading back - he must get a shot of the azaleas.

Saturday, 20th May, 2000

I've had an interesting and busy week and I am raring to go today. On Thursday Jim and I went to visit Edward Chisnell, the artist and writer, and my friend Mary at their home in Milngavie, they made us more than welcome and we stayed late. Edward's work is brilliant and he is a mine of information on the West End - including one of Jim's favourite characters 'Lord Kelvin'. Jim and Edward fairly hit it off and are planning a little enterprize together! I met Mary in Munro's Chemist on Great Western Road, where she works Fridays and Saturdays - she is bright and cheery and knows all there is to know about cosmetics so if you need anything in that line she's your woman. Yesterday, I went to visit Julie G and walked to Hyndland via Ruthven Street. One of my West End informants 'Chloe Gatsby' had told me about a new shop in the vicinity 'Kendals' so I had to check it out. It's great - crockery, gifts, pottery - and brilliant prices. There are lots of new shops opening in the area - including retro and antique so I'll need to get lots of information and expand the shopping section. I think the The Lanes on the side of the road opposite Hillhead Underground are going to become a big attraction as we've already got great places like Starry, Starry Nights and Moon situated there. Jim and I are going for another look this afternoon and then we are going to The Lighthouse in the City Centre as we want to have a look at Avril Paton's latest painting of Glasgow Art School.

Wednesday, 17th May, 2000

It seems like a wee while since I mentioned breakfast, but don't worry we are still on our mission of identifying the best Sunday Breakfasts in the West End, and following a tip we went to the University Cafe on Sunday. We had the works: sausage, bacon, beans, fried egg and black pudding and huge mugs of tea. It is a smashing place - a real institution in the West End. It was established in 1918 and at present is run by Lidia and Gino (the fourth generation of the Verrecchia family). We had a quick chat with both Lidia and Gino but they were really busy catering to the victorious women and spectators from the Women's 10K - what a hot day for that event. We did not actually see it as we were getting tucked into our breakfast but met lots of the participants with their medals on show in Byres Road. 5000 women took part and the winner was Lornah Kiplagat from Kenya, who completed the race in 31 mins 46 secs. Not to be outdown (athough at a rather slower pace) Jim and I went for a long hike up the Overtoun Estate and over the Old Kilpatrick Hills - it was glorious and not a soul in sight. It will be even better in another week or so when all the rhodedendrons are out. On Monday I had a wee wander round some of the shops in Hillhead. I stocked up with some fruit and veg. from Roots and Fruits where I met Alex, who educated me in how to choose Galia melon. I also popped into Park Road Pharmacy - a really well stocked chemist with extremely helpful and pleasant staff. I was delighted to see the West End Festival Programmes in the shops - if you have not already done so, have a look at the Web site - it's going to be a great festival. http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/festival

Saturday, 13th May, 2000

Jim and I had a nice run to Perthshire today - beautiful countryside. However, yesterday I had a real West End day as I had a lot of work to do relating to the Web site. I was up with the lark as I had a long list of places to go to and people to see: I called into the North Star, Munro's the Chemist, four of the Estate Agents, Chow's Restaurant, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Alexander's Paint Shop (yes, the workmen have finally succeeded in propping up our building and will be moving out soon). On my rounds I managed to fit in some fun and bought a latte 'to go' and some lovely carrot cake from North Star and snacked on a bench in the Botanics. Later on I met up with Julie and Gerry G. in The Chip for a teatime drink and bumped into Dave Anderson and his wife Tina. I also met a friend of Julie's - Maggie Graham, who has just won the Robert Louis Stevenson Award for literature for her book "Sitting Among the Eskimos". I've got her phone number so I hope you'll be hearing more about her soon in my Characters Section.

Wednesday, 10th May, 2000

This morning I am off to the West End Festival Brochure launch at The Chip - we have been up to our eyes working on the Festival's Web site to keep abreast of their schedule and we are also preparing for our first training event. However, at the weekend we snuck off to the countryside - one of the advantages of living in the West End is easy access to the hills and vales. On Saturday we went a lovely walk with Eleanor and her son Matthew. We walked from Milngavie to Carbeth taking in the first stage of the West Highland Way and afterwards enjoyed tea and scones at Mugdock Park Visitor's Centre - in the ancient lands of Fraser of Allander (the tea room is in the old stables). On Sunday we set off early for the Campsies over the famous Crow Road - we walked right up into the hills and had a nice picnic. There were lots of families, young people and serious hillwalkers enjoying the lovely views and brilliant weather and the cob webs were fairly blown away. Afterwards we drove home through Stirlingshire and ended the day back in the West End at the North Star, where we met Iain Mackenzie, one of the owners. Iain gave me lots of information about the idea behind the North Star and their interesting contacts with Portugal, where they buy some of their excellent products - you've got to try their Conservas Rainha Santa marmalade. I am working on a Web Page for the North Star, my only dilemma is - is it a Cafe or Deli?

Saturday, 6th May, 2000

Looks like another great day - what a difference some sunshine makes. Everyone is taking to the great outdoors. On Wednesday I called into John Smith's University Bookshop to get information from Paul Currie about The Munros through Windows on 11th May and 25th May: the launch of The Book of Prefaces by Alasdair Gray I had an interesting chat with Paul about his escapades hill climbing in Braemar - only low point being nowhere to eat after 9.00 p.m. Then on Thursday I had coffee with Helen Rose in the Tinderbox in Byres Road (great coffee) - like Paul she is working her way through the Munros (137 completed - only 147 to go). Apparently lots of Westenders make for the hills in between bouts of bohemian bacchanialia and Helen is keen to provide information on the subject of Hill Walking - so watch out for a new page arriving shortly. At the moment we are up to our eyes in Web site design for the West End Festival, which takes place next month, and our financial fate is looking less scary as other bits and pieces of work are coming in. If any of you are looking for a top class Web site - designed with the minimum of fuss by Jim Byrne please get in touch. Don't forget that distance is not a problem on the Internet.

Wednesday, 3rd May, 2000

Hope everyone enjoyed the Bank Holiday - what great weather! Both Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens were busy places and lots of ice cream was being consumed. Jim and I celebrated May Day by going to see the first official flying of the the new flag at the Botanics - it was designed by local artist Pam Sandals. We met Michael Dale, Director of the West End Festival and had a chat with Stephen - freelance photographer who does a lot of work for the Glaswegian. Afterwards we went to Jim's favourite spot - the Kibble Palace and heard local poets Chris Dolan and Tom Leonard giving readings - they were both really interesting and funny. There was a good attendance despite the tropical climate and the audience was most responsive. Well done Gerry Loose poet in residence at the Botanics - the efforts of this Irishman are an asset to the West End. After our jaunt in the park on Monday we had lunch (upstairs menu) downstairs in the Chip's lovely restaurant. Very nice. In the evening I shot off to the East End to catch up with some old workmates and we had great fun at the Venditozzi's studying personality profiles. Later in the day I bumped into Chris Dolan on Great Western Road and had a wee chat. I hope to include this award winning writer in the Characters Section of the Web site. Another candidate is the brilliant sculptor Phil Benson, whom I met walking his dog in Kelvingrove Park. Phil carved the fabulous eagle situated in the Railway Station in Old Kilpatrick and at present is busy working carving a Tiger in Kelvingrove Park. A fantastic way of using trees marked for the chop. I am getting lots of people from overseas e-mailing and commenting on the House for Sale or Rent Section who are looking for rooms in the West End so if any of you have rooms to let me know.

Sunday, 30th April, 2000

Yes, we have had a hint of summer weather this week-end and it's been great. Friday was a lovely day and Julie G. and I took the lovely baby Juliette a trip to Old Kilpatrick where we met lots of villagers in the Glen Cafe. We had lunch with Kitty McColl, a friend of my mum's since childhood, she could even remember my great-grandmother. Everyone enjoys a bit of nostalgia. On Friday night I met Eleanor, Joan and Jackie in Cafe Antipasti in Byres Road - very lively with really friendly staff like the smiling Owen, from Bangor in Northern Ireland, studying at Glasgow University. The atmosphere around Byres Road was great on Saturday, very lively - my nephew Andrew was visiting us and Jim and I went with him to FOPP music store to buy a CD. They have some great deals on and the shop was really busy. We also took a walk over to Queen Margaret Drive, where the artists were having a great day for Paintings on Railings - being so close by we had to drop into North Star for some of their wonderful coffee and carrot cake. At night Jim had a gig in the Halt with his band Hyperstar and the gang were all there - Julie G and Gerry, Julie H. and Frank (who was also playing) and my brothers Roger and Liam plus pals, partners and weans. Kevin and Louise, Graham, Mike, Tam, Anne G and Nicky, Marie. Gillian (new fans) plus the stalwarts. The sound was not wonderful but the talent shone through and we had a good night. Today the sun was shining once more and like all the other wise Westenders we headed to the Botanics. We met Rena and Jimmy (Jim's mum and dad) and we had a lovely walk round the park complete with ice cream cones. Paintings on Railings was enjoying another good day and Jimmy and Rena bought a great painting of one of the Bridges over the Kelvin - painted by young Jamie Simpson. There was a great sky tonight and Jim saw a photo-opportunity so we made our way through Kelvingrove up to Park to get the view over the City and it was worth the climb. I dragged my bicycle along for my first cycle this year - hope I'm not too stiff tomorrow as we are meeting the Wilsons for the May Day Event at the Botanics - be at the flagpole at 1.00 p.m. for the first official flying of the flag. Thursday, 27th April, 2000 Today I met Jim Sproat and some of his associates from Web Ecosse, who are intent upon revolutionizing Scottish Tourism and want to involve us in this venture. We met upstairs in The Chip and I enjoyed a nice pot of Earl Grey - 65p! It was like being back in those heady student days sorting everything out and we put both the worlds of the Internet and Tourism to rights. Tomorrow morning I am heading off to Hyndland to Julie G's as she is babysitting the gorgeous Juliette then I have to get back to see the workmen, who are just about to quit working on the inside of our building. No more excuses for a chaotic household. The tomorrow night I am meeting up with the usual suspects (Eleanor, Joan and Jackie) at Anti Pasti in Byres Road. Another big night on Saturday when Jim's new band Hyperstar have their premier performance at The Halt in Woodlands Road. Francis Anthony (of Gig Guide Fame) and the Underworld will also be playing. It should be a great gig - Julie H. and I will definitely be there. 23rd, April, 2000 Happy Easter everybody - Jim and I had our Easter Sunday Breakfast at the Canal at Anniesland, where they seem to be very geared up to cater for children with egg painting planned for later in the day. We have been out a lot this week - mainly to escape the dust which has descended on our house along with the workmen. We had two particularly interesting excursions: the first to the restaurant Capri in the City Centre at Buchanan Street, where we celebrated the start of the holiday week-end with Dave Donald and his family and friends on Wednesday. We had a smashing time - both the company and the food were great and the proprietor, a real character, was highly entertaining. This restaurant has been popular for many years but unfortunately is under threat because of property development in Buchanan Street. Hope it doesn't disappear - it would be a real loss. On Friday we went to Queen Margaret Drive to try out the North Star - recommended by our good friend Jim Bowes. We had a great time - it is the most interesting little cafe with wonderful snacks and baking. I had delicious baked goat's cheese on bread with fresh basil and Jim had tortilla - we had expected the food to be good as North Star has been opened by the people who ,for many years, ran the highly successful Cafe Gandalfi. However, we were also lucky to encounter some very entertaining company - Angie (whom I know from work) and her daughter "great Greer of Glasgow" and their friends Mary Brogan and Marianne and Ken Mellin. They were all in good form and the atmosphere was most convivial. We had a great discussion, which included Kelvin, who was keeping shop and serving up good style, the talk was all about home cooking and baking. We discovered there are a few well kept secret recipes amongst the men folk in the West End - including hame made sausages and can you believe home smoked fish! The North Star looks like a great little venture - it is pretty tiny but if you can't get a seat you can pick up some nifty pottery and deli products. I also enjoyed my trip in to see Lynne Scobbie, who organises, Paintings on Railings and has an art exhibition at the Botanics at present, and Liz McKelvie owner of The Studio in De Courcy's Arcade. The Studio Both very interesting women contributing a great deal to the West End. Don't forget to have a look at Jess's Jaunts and Frank's Gig Guide - there are loads of interesting things going on and plenty more coming up. I am very happy that the number of visitors from Austrialia to our Web site has substantially increased so welcome to all our visitors from down under. Any requests for information just let me know. 15th April, 2000 I've been out of the house quite a lot this week - escaping the dust and noise - almost the whole of Glasgow Street is a building site. I'm just hoping we'll be looking swanky in the summer. On Wednesday afternoon I went with Julie G. to see Tumbleweeds at the GFT - we both thought it was brilliant. Then on Thursday night Jess and I went to The Stand - the new West End Comedy Club (just round the corner from me in) in Woodlands Road. Arnold Brown made a guest appearance and was excellent. I think The Stand will be very popular, the atmosphere was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time - including Greg Hemphill, Ford Keirnan and co. who were sitting at the next table to us and having a right laugh. 11th April, 2000 I have been experiencing some enforced separation from my computer because my house is now part of a building site and is overflowing with workmen, dust and dustsheets. I have a great pile of interesting information waiting to be added to the Web site: Jim and I had an appointment with Mungo Campbell, Assistant Director of the Hunterian Art Gallery on Friday. It is a brilliant gallery and has a really interesting exhibition on at present -Artists at Harleys. When we were leaving I met my cousin Lorna Douglas - a big fan of the Hunterian. She was is working towards a Masters in Theology at the University and had popped into the gallery for a wee break from her studies. We had a bit of a blether with Lorna and after catching up on family news Jim and I went into John Smith's University Bookshop and sought out Lynne O'Neill and Paul Currie to find out what's current there: It's worthwhile checking out some of the bargains on offer at the bookshop including 10% off Psychology Books during April. At the moment there's great anticipation and excitement regarding two events coming up in May: On the 11th Iain R. White will give a talk about his CD "The Munros through the Windows" and on 25th May - Alasdair Gray's latest book "The Book of Prefaces" will be launched at the bookshop. Both events will be 5.30 p.m. for 6.00 p.m. We spent a quite a wee while with Lynne and Paul (both interesting West End characters) before popping round to Sal e Pepe's in Gibson Street for some of their excellent Minestra Soup and Apple Pie. On Sunday we had a walk along the banks of the Kelvin all the way up to Maryhill and then back to the Botanics - the flowers in the greenhouses are amazing at the moment- really the most fantastic scents and displays. You'll get the chance to see these soon in Jim's photodiary. Last night, Monday, Jess and I went along to check out one of the events featured in the Jess's Jaunts and enjoyed listening to Alison Clark talking about Personal Development and Coaching - a life changing experience. Anyone interested can contct Alsion at wordaction@dtn.ntl.com 5th April, 2000

I've had an interesting few days combining business with pleasure in some of the favourite West End haunts. On Monday I had coffee with Jess Fitzgerald (Jess's Jaunts) and Ian Ansdell, who writes in The Herald's Futurefile. Ian is a big fan of the Internet and has created his own Web sites including Partick 2000 (http://www.peelcom.com/partick2000) an ecumenical community initiative in the West End. We had a long chat about the Internet and many other topics and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in Metro. I think Jess has found yet another Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiast!

I think I will be taking out some shares in Metro as I was back there today meeting Julie G and her lovely little grand-daughter Juliette. We were right in among all the WEBS (West End Babies) and even had our own to fuss and coo over. We had some lovely John Bosco cake and mochas so all in all it was quite a treat. It was with great reluctance that I took myself off to Glasgow Caledonian University where I am doing some work. However, it was such a gorgeous Spring Day that when I was finished I walked home all the way home through Garnethill and Woodlands Road. I even visited the Tenement House, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, which depicts tenement life. It's a great place to visit and I'll be including it in our Buildings and History Web pages (strictly speaking it is outwith the West End - but only just and life's no fun if you can't break a few rules). There were quite a few tourists there and they obviously found the place fascinating.

In Woodlands I dropped into Grassroots and Crispins - to purchase some "delicate comestibles" - home made banana muffins, hot satay sauce and walnut bread. I was tempted to sit in the sunshine outside The Hogshead with all the students but I'll wait till it gets a wee bit warmer.

Last night I went to see the Wilson Family in Whiteinch and had a brilliant dinner - you can see Issi's picture in my diary as we brought in the Millenneum at their place. Kerry, who has just turned sixteen, is going to be contributing to the Web site - giving the young perspective on what's going down in Byres Road. Also I am trying to persuade Davie to write something about the Fossil Grove in Victoria Park as I know he is an expert on this really interesting attraction.

2nd April, 2000 I had a bit of a struggle getting up this morning as Winter had returned and it was a cold and miserable day, however, Jim and I set off for our breakfast and had an interesting time at Papa Gill's. We enjoyed our hot tea, toast and fry up, unbelievable value at £ 2.95 each, and had a pleasant chat with Binder Gill the owner. Papa Gills in Partick We had intended going back to have another look at "Paintings on the Railings" but it was not a day for wandering around outside - although it did not put the Scottish Rugby Team off as they beat England at Murrayfield. We stayed out of the rain and paid a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where we spent most of the time in the Glasgow Room admiring the work of Charles Rennie Macintosh and his contemporaries. Before heading home we went to visit Graeme and Neil from Orro to talk about Web sites. 31st March, 2000 I had a nice lunch today with Anne G, Nicky G and Julie G (Mum, Daughter and Auntie). We went to The Underground Gallery in Cresswell Lane and enjoyed our foccaccio sandwiches and hearing all about Nicky's travels (she is a flight attendant with Virgin). Anne was just back from London and Julie from Oban so we had a lot to catch up on. Afterwards Julie and I had a wee prowl around Nancy Smillie's - as usual lots of lovely things to admire and some great reductions in the jewellery. Bashia, the artist and poet who works in the shop, was telling me that she is involved with "Paintings on the Railings" at the Botanics - we must go back there again this week-end. I had to nip along to the West End Festival Offices in Dowanhill regarding their Web site which we are working on. I then cut down Hyndland Street and walked along to Partick Underground - on the way I could not resist popping in to a few of the second hand shops and the cut price book shop on Dumbarton Road. 30th March, 2000 This week was definitely one for dining in the lanes as I had a quick bite with Eleanor Gordon in The Grosvenor yesterday. We had a good natter and enjoyed the cheap and tasty fare - also exotic - I had a Thai Chickenburger which was delicious and only cost about £2. I'm going back down next week to speak to Ghislaine, the owner, as we need to feature this little gem. 29th March, 2000 I think I'll have to take up some stamina building training to keep abreast of all that is going on in the West End. Everyone who has signed up for the newsletter should have received a copy by now - get in touch if you have not received your copy. pat@glasgowwestend.co.uk

It was a lovely weekend - up till Sunday afternoon anyway - and Jim and I managed along to 'Paintings on the Railings' at the Botanics. Lynne Scobbie is doing a magnificient job there and it was great looking at the fine display of talent on show. Brings a touch of the Left Bank to Glasgow. We bought a lovely wee print of Kelvinbridge which is now hanging in our hall.

After hanging out with the artists for a wee while we went for our usual Sunday Breakfast (it is getting later and later so is probably now brunch) - anyway we dined upstairs at the Chip in Ashton Lane. Jim had the full works huge tottie scone, square slice, black pudding, bacon, egg, tomato and mushrooms and I had the vegetarian version. Well presented and enjoyable - the lovely greenery and pleasant waitresses added to the pleasant experience.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of meeting Lynne O'Neill manager of John Smith's University Bookshop. She is doing a fantastic job there and it is no wonder it has been Academic Bookshop of the Year (in UK and Ireland) in the last two years. Lynne provided me with lots of information and this is a link we will be developing - a pleasant suprise was meeting Paul Currie, who also works at the bookshop and enthusiastically contributes to the organisation of very interesting events including the forthcoming launch of Alasdair Gray's new book. (Full details of this event will be published on the Web site in Jess's Jaunts). Talking of Jess I paid her a visit at her flat in Partickhill on Monday (great views to the West of the City and my favourite Old Kilpatrick Hills). We had a good natter about our University days and of course the Web site; fortuitiously Jess is full of great ideas for further additions to glasgowwestend.co.uk and is fairly picking up that old html

Tuesday, 21st March, 2000 I spent this morning pulling my second Web site newsletter together, which I hope to send out within the next day or two, then I walked down to Byres Road to meet Julie G. in Hillhead Library. Once we had checked our books out we strolled round to the Underground Gallery and had coffee and a rare auld blether in the Underground Gallery. I took a roundabout route home as I am checking out the photo-opportunities for Jim and also wanted to have a walk around the University. I have just discovered that the entrance to Lilybank House was added to the building at a later date and that it was designed by the architect Arthur 'Greek' Thomson so I had a look at this - you will be seeing it on the Web site soon. I then cut over to the old building and had a stroll about - you just get never tired of this amazing building and it's great having it on our doorstep. In the University I had a browse around John Smith's Book Shop and bought an interesting publication 'Nomad 7' - Survivors' Poetry Scotland, which includes a smashing poem by Jackie Kaye and SPS' Women's Group. When I left I bumped into Stephen Sweeney in University Avenue (a friend of my brother's from Old Kilpatrick) he was all decked out in his University Security Staff uniform. He thought I had flipped as I was having a good laugh to myself so I had to explain that the reason behind this behaviour was the advertisement for The Crypt Cafe which was so intriguing that I have added the Cafe to the .Eating Out Section Sunday, 19th March, 2000 The West End was looking lovely today in the Spring sunshine and unusually busy for a Sunday morning with lots of people out strolling and enjoying the nice weather. Jim and I walked along Kelvin Walkway and admired Lord Kelvin's statue surrounded by daffodils and apple blossom. No doubt you will soon be seeing this for yourself as Jim took a few photographs. We had breakfast in Beetlenut in Partick, which was lively with young families and friends meeting up. It is really a very attractive restaurant. We just got home in time for the Scottish League Football Cup Final - the Glasgow team Celtic beat Aberdeen 2 goals to 0. Thursday, 16th March, 2000 Jim and I had a well deserved mocha and latte in Patisserie Francoise and brought ourselves up to date with our Web site "to do" list. We are really excited that we will be designing and managing the Web site for the West End Festival - need to get our skates on and our thinking caps! Wednesday, 15th March, 2000 Had a great night at The Mitchell Theatre where Jess Fitzgerald (of our own Jess's Jaunts) was our main attraction in 'The Pirates of Penzance' - she gave a great performance. It was also nice catching up with my friends from Rosemount, Val, Rosemary and Haleh and we all thought the pirate king was a real star. The show runs until Saturday so catch it if you can. I did not get home till late - drinking coffee with the hoi polloi at Cafe Insomnia. Monday, 13th March, 2000 Yesterday, we tried breakfast in the Underground Gallery with Joan Gordon and Graham MacIntosh and their lovely baby Alison- it was pretty good. The breakfasts were nicely cooked and presented and they have lots of different choices. Jim, Joan and Graham had the 'works' full Scottish Breakfast and I had Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Egg - Alison was contented to nibble on the toast. The Gallery has a very relaxed atmosphere and a good choice of reading material. Afterwards we had a wander around De Courcy's Arcade - there are a lot of really interesting wee shops in there. I am going back down on Wednesday to have a longer chat with Liz McKelvie in The Studio where we spent ages finding out about all the Glasgow memorobilia she has in stock. Jim got Liz to put aside a book he has been looking out for on the history of Hillhead. Tuesday, 6th March I've been busy responding to requests for information and keeping the Web site up to date. I have also started preparing my second Newsletter, which I will circulate next week. Today we have an interesting new 'character' on the site, , Ali Abbasi from Radio Scotland's Travel Desk and Jim and I are just back from a meeting with Michael Dale from Glasgow's West End Festival with a view to sharing skills and information to promote the event online. I am still discovering the attractions of the West End and visited St Simon's Catholic Church for the first time this week with Julie G. It is a lovely wee church and so interesting with its long standing links with the Polish community. There are so many great churches in the West End with lovely stained glass windows, interesting histories and various styles of architecture - looks like a whole new section is required. Whilst in the Partick Cross vicinity Julie and I had lunch in the Classic Cafe in Partick. It really is a classic cafe owned by the Denobriga family, it is friendly, busy with tasty snacks and great coffee. I'll be adding it to our Glasgow West End: Pat's Guide to Eating Out: Restaurants, Cafes and BistrosSection. We also had a good prowl around the Salvation Army Second Hand Shop and managed to get our hands on a few bargains without falling out over anything. The shop really is popular - the queue at the check out was longer than Safeways. Sunday, 27th February We had a nice surprise this week-end when we were informed that thecapitalscot Web site in Washington D.C. (http://thecapitalscot.com) had named us "Feature Link of the Week" - their Web site provides information to "Scots and Scots at heart living and working in Washington. Glad we are catching on across the Atlantic. We are working on a links' page at the moment and will reciprocate the favour. Had our breakfast in The Grosvenor Cafe in Ashton Lane. This must be the liveliest spot around Byres Road on a Sunday - with its bargain prices and bright atmosphere it's no wonder. I think we will be contacting Ghislaine to get more information for a Pat's pick of cafes next month. Jim and I then went on a wee scout around checking out Kirklee Mansions and some of the great buildings in Hyndland. We saw some smashing candidates for Jim's photo diary and galleries. Friday, 25th February I see we have another mention in The Diary, The Herald today - I am delighted, although they are a cheeky bunch, what have they got against Westenders anyway? This evening I went to see Pauline McNeill, Member of Scottish Parliament for Hillhead, at her surgery in Partick Borough Halls - I was knocked out when she told me that she had been on the Web site earlier in the day. She saw it mentioned in The Herald and had to check out what the famous folk in her constituency are getting up to. Tuesday, 22nd February, Stephen O'Neill treated me to a very enjoyable lunch at The Chip. Stephen is very knowledgable and enthusiastic about everything to do with the West End and I was enthralled listening to his stories about interesting Westenders. It's true he "knows everybody" and I felt a bit of a charlatan presuming to write about the area when faced with his abundant knowledge. Still - it is great learning new things and I feel it in my bones - I have made a great contact. Yet another fascinating West End Character. I have been getting lots of e-mails from people wanting to contribute to the Web site including Maggie Reilly Curator of the University of Glasgow's Zoology Museum and Monica Callaghan, Education Officer with the Hunterian Gallery - it is very encouraging and helps us gather more and more interesting material. I have also been getting lots of very diverse requests from you. For example I have some people in Australia looking for "more pictures of pubs" to remind them of the good times they had in the West End when holidaying in Glasgow. Some local folk have requested information about activities for children in the area also for information on leisure and recreation. The Lobey Dosser (not surprisingly) has captured people's imagination and I have been asked to provide more information on this infamous Glesga character. I will certainly do my best to respond and Jim will jump at the opportunity to be out there snapping away with his new camera. Monday, 21st February Jim and I were at The Attic in Ashton Lane this evening wishing Lesley Riddoch "Happy 40th Birthday" and this afternoon I had tea with Jess Fitzgerald (of Jess's Jaunts fame) in The Metro in Cressell Lane. We had a good natter about the Web site and the West End. Sunday, 20th February Had breakfast in Cafe Alba. Jim was disappointed that they did not serve "the works" - tottie scones, black pudding, bacon, mushroom and eggs, however, he did enjoy his apple tart after his scrambled eggs. Their home baking is definitely their strong point. On Saturday night we went to Gilmorehill to see the University drama students' productions. We were particularly interested in 'Entertaining Mr Sloane' directed by Lynda Swan and I will do a wee review of this. After the show a crowd of us went to Stravaigin and had a good time there. I met Melanie Chesney in her Irish rugby jersey full of delight because Ireland had beaten Scotland for the first time in 12 years. Thursday, 17th February, I was thrilled to see that we have another mention in The Glaswegian - and from now on I have to be known as the woman pushing the West End into the 21st century. That's the power of the press for you and I thought it sounded very impressive -although my brothers thought it was hilarious. They also found it very amusing that the word "sedate" was mentioned in association with me. Obviously, they intend to keep my feet firmly on the ground. Anyway I am happy with the attention the Web site is receiving - the encouragement is really motivating and of course we will get lots more visitors. The House for Sale and Rent Section is very, very popular and this morning I had some appointments relating to this, which means this section will be expanding. I combined business with pleasure and had one meeting in Brel in Ashton Lane. When I was there I had a wee chat with two of the staff, Debra and Colin, I say it again - the staff in this restaurant are particularly pleasant. Wednesday, 16th February, I am loath to admit venturing out of the West End but had to meet up with some friends in the City Centre- Val, Eileen and Liz Cutler, who is home from Rotorua in New Zealand. We had some lunch in the Corinthian - what a fantastic building this ex High Court is - it's almost impossible to eat your meal because you can't take your eyes off the amazing ceiling. We had a great laugh and Liz reminded me of one of the funniest shopping stories ever so I'll need to set the ball rolling in that section of the Web site and hope that others will follow suit with their funny shopping tales. Sunday, 13th February, At the week-end I spotted a couple of interesting new shops in Byres Road: Grace the Florist has just been opened by young entrepreneur Emma Raeside. Good Luck Emma - your shop is brilliant and should do well on Valentine's Day. Also Isla Scott, the owner and manager of Aquarius Books is hoping to help 'bring about both subtle and radical changes in our lives'. I'll need to get cracking and put these new entries into the shopping section. To get back to one of my favourite topic's - yes you've guessed - Oblomov. Michael Levine, yet another friendly waiter's photograph has now been added to information on the restaurant. Hope his folks back home in Texas get to see it. Thursday, 10th February, Last night I was invited to Willow Bank Bowling Club in Dowanhill and Jim and my brother Liam came along to keep me company. We had a very interesting night learning all about the history of the first Bowling Club in Glasgow. Duncan Smith and Jim Kennedy (both ex-Presidents of the club) were mines of information and very entertaining. Jim (Byrne) can't wait for a good day to go back with his camera as the club is situated in a great spot. Watch out for more information on this little known prize in the centre of the West End. Wednesday, 9th February, I've been combining business with pleasure meeting lots of Westenders and finding out more about the area all the time. I visited Hillhead library (sneaked a look at the Web site on their Internet) and borrowed a big pile of books on Glasgow to brush up my knowledge. For a treat I also got 'Tom Shields' Diary' and have not stopped laughing since. This is a must to beat those Winter blues and will definitely be going into our Book Section. Sunday, 6th, 2000 Yes, at the risk of becoming boring we were back at Oblomov for our Sunday breakfast. It was 'stowed out' - was this increased business due to promotion by www.glasgowwestend.co.uk or because we were much later than usual? It was particularly nice to see my friends Jackie and Eleanor out and about also Jim introduced me to the very interesting Maire Devine. We enjoyed sharing breakfast with her and listening to her bring the auld Irish 'blarney' into play in praising the West End. Saturday, 5th, 2000 Had a great 'Ashton Lane Night' - Jim and I finally made it along to Diefiuracha, a lovely friendly wee restaurant. After a very enjoyable meal we flocked into the Grosvenor, with what seemed like the entire population of Byres Road, to catch 'American Beauty'. Yes, believe all you hear it is great. Sunday- January, 30th, 2000 Today was just great as Allan Brown wrote a great article about the West End in The Sunday Times and gave us a mention. This sparked off a lot of interest in the site and we have had loads of hits, e-mails and new comments added. Brilliant! The galleries, the new section on House Sales, West End Guide, People, Shopping and Eating were the sections most popular with visitors to the Web site. Also the new What's On Section - Jess's Jaunt has caught your attention. We are also now getting visitors to the site from further afield and I have been providing a service to potential travellers answering some of their queries - I'll need to get that accommodation section extended. Yes, it looks like there are going to be some new tourists making their way to the West End. Saturday - January, 29th, 2000 Had fun today wandering around Great Western Road, Byres Road and some of the lanes with my niece Aileen. We browsed around some of the shops including Nancy Smillie's, now selling Eileen McCusker's lovely paintings, Evolution, Papyrus and Mumbo Jumbo. We then had latte and gateaux in the Metro (very popular with young families - my friend Rachel says that it is 'a great place for the WEBs' - West End Babies. Friday - January, 28th, 2000 I had a very exciting morning talking about the Web site on Radio Scotland's Scottish Connections programme; on their 'On the Web' spot. I was interviewed in the famous Orchid House in the Botanic Gardens - this turned out to be a very good choice as it was a lovely warm place to be on such a dreich, miserable day. I got a chance to meet Euan Donaldson, who has been Manager of the Botanics for 21 years, so I must get back along and see Euan again and hear about all the plans for refurbishment of the Kibble Palace and other interesting stories. Thursday, January, 27th, 2000 Yesterday, I had lunch with Julie Gorevan and Jess Fitzgerald in Sal e Pepe in Gibson Street and I am thrilled that they are both extending their contributions to the Web site. Julie will give us the benefit of her very full social calendar with live reviews (including Celtic Connections) critiques and information on new restaurants she visits and Jess will be providing information about What's On in the West End. January, 26th, 2000 Jim and I had a great time last night celebrating Rabbie Burns Night in Princes Square. Yes, we do venture into the City Centre every now and then and where could be nicer than Princes Square? We went even further afield last week-end and celebrated Jim's birthday at Gleneagles Hotel. Not unfortunately as overnight guests but we had great fun having afternoon tea. Quite delightful - this has to be highly recommended especially on cold Winter's days. Back in the West End I have been busy checking out some of the restaurants you have commented on and Littlejohn's and Leonardo's have been added to the Eating Out pages. Jim and I have also been checking out good spots for Sunday Breakfast - so far Oblomov is top of the list. Jim has a new camera, and got a great photograph of Michael from Texas, who was our very pleasant waiter. Watch out for plenty of new free photographs to download. Apart from all this eating, (I have had to take up playing badminton twice a week to work off some of the calories) I went along to hear Edwin Morgan and Jackie Kay reading their poetry as part of the 'Celtic Connections' programme at Waterstone's. I really enjoyed myself and particularly liked Jackie's poem about Maw Broon. I have been promised some reviews of other 'Celtic Connection' gigs so I'll be looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks for all your comments, e-mails, support, encouragement and contributions - keep them coming. I am delighted to say that we are getting more and more visitors to the Web site and have had almost 10,000 hits. Not bad going for a new site! We are also getting a fair bit of media attention so keep your eyes peeled on the newspapers. Bye for now. My Newsletter will come out on Friday and I'll give you an update on all the new additions to the Web site. January 14th, 2000 Happy New Year to you and yours! We saw in the Bells at my friend Issi's house and it was just right. We went out and watched the fireworks, lit some sparklers and looked forward to a successfull and happy year. That's me, my friend Issi and Jim in the picture. 31st December, 1999 December has passed in a flash and although Christmas Day vanished in a haze under a miserable flu virus, which swept through our house, most of the month has been pretty interesting. Jim has been out and about with his camera, we had a great party to launch the site and the growing interest in the Web site has been much in evidence: Early this month a new Music and Entertainment Section was added including a Gig Guide and Live Reviews. I was at the gig in the Halt on 3rd December where The Hemingways and Francis Anthony and the Underworld both gave brilliant performances. On the 11th we had a party to launch the Web site and you can catch the goings on of the West End hoi polloi - 'Wendies in action' on our new gallery The Web site has attracted the attention of the local media and I am quite delighted that The Diary section of The Herald has referred to www.glasgowwestend.co.uk on three separate occasions during the month of December. Tom Shields and his pals on the paper are obviously very interested in our Famous Folk section so keep your contributions coming - some of you have made it onto print! Jim and I managed a couple of days break in St Andrew's - the wonderful golf resort on the East Coast. Yes, I do tear myself away from the West End every so often and St Andrew's was magnificent. On our journey home we stopped off at the really quaint village of Falkland in Fife where we tasted the home baking and had the best tea ever in 'Kind Kyttock's Kitchen' an award winning tea room. In St Andrew's we visited Littlejohn's Restaurant which was interesting in part because the much loved Salon Cinema in the West End has recently been converted and is now part of this chain. Jess Fitzgerald has provided an interesting commentary on the restaurant in Vinicombe Street in the Eating Out section. Thanks Jess. My very best Christmas present was the book I got from Jim called 'Glasgow on a Plate edited by Ferrier Richardson. It is a 'showcase of the work of the city's finest chefs and best restaurants' and consists of recipies, insights, tips and ideas from many of Glasgow's best chefs. An essential for all you gourmets and gourmands out there. On 30th December we had a late lunch in Leonardo's in Byres Road - the food is certainly very, very scrumptious and beautifully presented and it was nice to relax there before the big bang tonight. Thanks for all your support, contributions, cheeky comments and encouragement. The Millenneum Newsletter will be on route to all subscribers next week. HAPPY MILLENNEUM - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2000. 2nd December, 1999 Had a very pleasant and leisurely lunch in Firebird in Yorkhill with my friend Julie. Don't know why it was so quiet (must have been the heavy rain) because it is superb. Lovely food, beautifully presented and great service. Also a nice open fire - very welcoming on cold days. I have tried twice to eat out in Leonardo's in Byres Road - looks like this restaurant is very popular and booking is essential. Your comments Thanks to everyone who is adding comments - some of the wee stories in the 'Did you know' section are very interesting. Jim's started writing his December West End Photo diary - great pictures as usual. 1st December, 1999 I am delighted to give you the news that there is now a West End Gig Guide on the Web site. It is produced by one of my friends who goes by the name of 'Big Bird'. He has been working non stop to produce December's music section which is really impressive. Yes, the music scene in Glasgow is alive and well. You will find all the music and Gig reviews in the 'Out and About Section'. (Also watch out for forthcoming Live Reviews.). "Pat's Guide to Music and Entertainment in Glasgow's West End" 22 November 1999 If you are interested in coming to Glasgow for a holiday I can help you book a trip with your own personal shopping guide - a 'holiday friend' to show you the local sights. 27th October 1999 The Web site goes live for the first time. Time for testing and feedback from friends.

I am looking forward to keeping you up to date with the 'comings and goings' in the West End; famous folk spotted on the streets, great restaurants where I've had tasty meals and super shops where I've found bargains or irresistible 'buy me' products, and of course interesting Westenders I've met. If you would like to be contacted when new information is posted on the site please sign up for the free Newsletter. You will be sent a newsletter no more than once a month, and your e-mail address will not be passed to anyone else or used for any other purpose.

This is my first Web site and I really want it to be a success. So I need your help - tell me what you like and what you don't like. There's no point in just having a good site I want this to be a great site!

In this site you will find information about everything from shopping for a house in the West End of Glasgow to finding out the history and culture of the area. I intend to have features on all the major Galleries, buildings and Architecture, people, and places. There will be special travel features including a Holiday Friends service aimed at single Women who would like to come on holiday and have a guide to accompany them on shopping or sightseeing trips. And to top it all there are lots of high quality free photographs of the West End of Glasgow to download and use on your own Web site.

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