Mardi Gras Parade Photographs

West End Festival 2008

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Words off the Page - Thurs 19th June, Hillhead Library

A library may seem a surprising setting for microphone and speakers but Thursday afternoon saw Marc Sherland of the Scottish Federation of Writers set them up, possibly to the dismay of some patrons. However, no one complained and indeed most folk appeared to enjoy the entertainment provided by members and friends of the Federation. Several people enquired about writing groups in their area and at least one person promised to join up.

Poems and stories ranged from off the wall offerings to serious anti-war messages with a good sprinkling of humour thrown in. Writing groups in Maryhill, Springburn, Milngavie, Clydebank, Drumchapel and the Goma group were well represented with the Federation's Makar poet, A.C. Clarke composing a new poem especially for the occasion.

We were also graced with the presence of Scotland's own 'Tartan Tally,' Tony Capaldi who had the audience in stitches with his hilarious monologues. Next Thursday 26th June the performance venue moves to Partick Library, not Hillhead as published in the West End Festival Brochure, and runs from 1 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. The event is free and open to all. If you wish to perform contact [email protected]

The Gibson Street Gala - Sunday 22nd June, Gibson Street

A rainy Sunday looked set to scuttle the gala day but punters still turned up in droves, and it was well worth it. Pavement cafes were jam-packed with customers (possibly to shelter under the awnings keeping away the worst of the downpours) but even in the street the audience braved the showers in the name of art and music. I missed the Viragoes on the Gibson Street stage because I was rummaging in the Washhouse shop in the Gow backcourt. The fascinating array of junk - oops -stock ranged from a vintage typewriter that was quickly snapped up to a dinky wee perfume bottle I got for 50p.

A bit later than advertised, Samba Ya Bamba wowed the crowd followed by trio Kerieva then a line-up of talented Highland dancers, the highlight of which was the group of four-year-old beginners dancing the hornpipe. Where else but in the West End would you see the charming daughter of a Sikh in a Highland dance troupe?

Later a band called the Fortunate Sons got the crowd going again before three awe-inspiring break-dancers risked life and limb on the slippery wet surface of Gibson Street's tarmac. The last performers I saw were the brilliant team of American line-dancers that had 'reserved' Glaswegians box-stepping and heel-toeing in formation. Compere Scott Agnew tied the whole thing up expertly. As well as the Gibson Street stage entertainment there were buskers, novelty sellers and stalls galore. You could get your face painted; have a henna tattoo or a massage; make a kite or get safety advice from a hunky fireman; try the speed-dating event or have a go at story-telling. Something for everyone in fact.

Roll on next year's gala.

West End Horrors- Murders, Mysteries & Madness
Brian Skillen, Partick Library Monday 16th June

Westenders turned out in force to hear Brian Skillen from Glasgow's Mitchell Library reveal some of the violent history of the area.

Behind the respectable facade of grand villas and imposing sandstone tenements lurked murder most foul. In Kelvingrove, even back in the early days of the century, muggings and other assaults were not rare. Victorian maidens dared not venture there without escorts and, as today, children's playgrounds were the haunts of perverts.

The crime list seemed endless. Stabbings, shootings, folk beaten up, babies smothered, children abused and murdered. A woman called Marion Griffiths committed suicide after killing her new-born baby. Edwin Findlay rampaged through Broomhill carrying a carbine under his coat before shooting two policemen, one of whom died. He then turned the gun on himself. At his home police found another four guns.

In 1965 rival gangs fought a pitched battle on the frozen Bingham's pond, off Great Western Road. In 1991 four men held up the Dunfermline Building Society at Anniesland Cross.

There were many other incidents but as the saying goes, they are 'too numerous to mention ' so next time you look around at this most respectable suburb, think of its violent history.

Thank you, Brian, for a most interesting and informative talk.