Reminiscence Group Govan Reminiscence Group

A Time in Govan

The Govan Reminiscence Group were thrilled to receive a visit from author of "A Time In Govan". David Graham who was born in West Drumoyne has written a 600 page book about life in Govan. Generously all profits from the book are being donated to local charity "Preshal Trust". Very good value for money, the book is essentially two books, the first 300 pages has 28 chapters (named below) and is a fictional story of Govan people from just after the war until late 1963, many of the true key issues which affected Govan during this period are covered, ranging from politics to murders and from social events to court appearance. The second part of the book has 15 chapters and tells a detailed story of football in Govan, including Benburb and St. Anthony's. At £13 from link below it is well worth a read!

Govan Reminiscence Group were thrilled to receive a visit from Govan born author of "A Time In Govan". David Graham who has written a 600 page book about life in Govan is generously donating all profits from the book to local charity Preshal Trusthttps://t.co/TOI10BY1dW pic.twitter.com/G5tshusTdr

— acumfaegovan (@acumfaegovan) August 7, 2018

Songs of Govan Old Part 2

Many of the group had a great night at part 2 of "Songs of Govan Old" concert on Friday, for the past few month the group have been working with singer/songwriter Ainsley Hamill exploring Govan's rich history. Ainsley has written a series of songs about remarkable characters from Govan.

On Friday we heard the second set of songs, the first was about Lizzie Robinson a WW1 munitions worker who never had a day off and was awarded a medal by the King at Ibrox Park, the second song was about Private Lawrence Nealis, a soldier from Govan who went off to war aged 15. The last song by Ainsley was about our much loved Lyceum Cinema.

The songs were fantastic and the group look forward to part 3 of "Songs of Govan Old" on 26th July, at this third concert singer/song writer Norrie MacIver will be singing more songs about Govan.

Govanite, Private Lawrence Nealis, 17, who died in the trenches. Beautiful pics from our concert by @acumfaegovan, of Andrew Nealis, nephew, and Irene McMichael, niece, with singer/songwriter @AinsleyHamill & Private Nealis' medals @ChcGovan #LivesofWW1 @LivesOfWW1 pic.twitter.com/7IwdrmmOcH

— theglasgowbarons (@GlasgowBarons) June 24, 2018

Vikingar!

This year for our annual summer outing we visited Largs and Vikingar! the group enjoyed their Viking experience & exhibits, nice to see a mention for Govan's medieval hogback Stones in the interpretation, again showing that the Govan Stones are of national importanc.

Vikingar! tells the story of "The Battle of Largs" in 1263, and how the armies of Haakon IV of Norway and Alexander III of Scotland fought over the Western Isles, the battle itself was indecisive but Hakkon IV died a few months later and his son Magnus (under the Treaty of Perth) gave up control of the Hebrides and the Isle of Man to Scotland in 1266, however the Shetland and the Orkney Islands remained under Norse control until 1472.

Well worth a visit!

Welcome Home Mary Barbour!

The group has long championed recognition for the work of Mary Barbour who was one of the main leaders in the 1915 Rent Strikes which started in Govan, Mary Barbour and her army protested against landlords who took advantage of housewives and munitions workers by increasing rent in what were already hard times and evicting those who could not pay, Mary was actively involved in organising tenant committees to physically prevent evictions and drive out the sheriff’s officers. As a result of the protests new legislation was introduced restricting rents increases until after the war ended.

We were thrilled today to see such a great turnout and carnival atmosphere for the unveiling of the statue of Mary Barbour and her army by local school pupils. We have no doubt that the splendid statue by sculptor Andrew Brown will be taken to the hearts of Govanites and is a special addition to Govan Cross.

More photos of unvieling at: Mary Barbour Statue Photos

Songs for Govan Old

Govan's very own Conductor, Paul MacAlinden who is currently organising a series of concerts in Govan Old Parish Church has commissioned singers and songwriters Ainsley Hamill and Norrie MacIver to write a series of songs about Govan.

Ainsley met with our group on Tuesday and we enjoyed sharing Govan's rich history with Ainsley who especially enjoyed hearing about some remarkable historical Govan characters.

We hope Ainsley found some inspiration from the stories and the group are looking forward to hearing the first 3 of Ainsley's songs performed with The Glasgow Barons on May 3rd at 7.30pm, Govan Old Parish Church.

Our Red Aunt

Instead of our usual meeting the group decided to go to the "Our Red Aunt" exhibition at Glasgow Women's Library, Fiona Jack is the great grandniece of Helen Crawfurd, suffragette, community activist and anti-war campaigner, Fiona has been exhibiting artefacts and artworks linked to her aunt at the Library since the 2nd February and the exhibition will run until 17th March.

Although not born in Govan, Helen Crawfurd unsuccessfully stood as Communist Candidate for Govan Ward in the Glasgow municipal elections of 1921. Helen was also the sister of baker James Jack, the bakery & shop of James Jack & Sons was in Water Row, Govan, and "Jack's Rolls" were a firm favourite of Govanites for generations.

Govan Reminiscence Group at @womenslibrary today to see My Red Aunt exhibition on Helen Crawfurd, from the Jack family of bakers that gave us those almost legendery rolls, but more importantly she was an unshakeable suffragette, community activist, and anti-war campaigner. pic.twitter.com/JkGRkkS8ot

— acumfaegovan (@acumfaegovan) February 20, 2018