GRG News 2014
Govan Loves Christmas
On the 3rd December Govanites turned out in their droves for the second annual "Govan Loves Christmas" event starting at Govan Cross. It was a vibrant event with a great community atmosphere, the event included a craft market, and great entertainment including carol singing by Govan Schools Choirs. Youngsters also had their photos taken with Santa in the Grotto where they also received a Christmas gift, if this wasn't fun enough they also had the privelege of meeting Santa's reindeers.
This was followed by switching on of the Govan Christmas Tree lights by our groups very own Flora Pagan, (above) well done Flora!
The Christmas Light switch on was followed by a parade led by Santa and his sleigh along Govan Road and into the Elder Park and onto the Elder Park Library were a packed crowd enjoyed live music, craft markets, roasted chestnuts, free hot soup and sandwiches, fireworks and much more.
Pictures of the event can be viewed at the following link: Govan Loves Christmas Photos
Santa's Grotto pictures are available from GYIP at the following link: GYIP Grotto Photos
Their Names Liveth Forevermore
On Remembrance Sunday the Govan Reminiscence Group took part in an event to commemorate and mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1, the event named "Their Names Liveth Forevermore" took place on the 9th November and was organised by Glasgow City Council's First World War Project.
The group attended a special service at Govan Old Parish Church and layed a wreath at the Govan Cenotaph. Afterwards the group took part in an exhibition held in the Pearce Institute where we exhibited our research on some of the WW1 casualties with a Govan connection.
The research featured by the group at the exhibition will soon be available on a new WW1 section on this site.
Digital Stories Now Online
During spring the Govan Reminiscence Group created short digital stories of living and growing up in Govan for the Heritage Lottery funded Britain From Above Community Project in Govan. The stories were inspired by aerial photographs of Govan from from the collection available at Britain From Above. The group would like to thank Brian Wilkinson, Activity Officer at RCAHMS and Emily Dodd who led the Digital Storytelling workshops.
The videos are now online and can be viewed at the following link: Digital Stories
Group Annual Outing
Yesterday the group went on their annual outing, this year the chosen location was the New Lanark World Heritage Site, many of the group were first time visitors and despite a very dreek and wet day the group had a great time, especially enjoying the "Annie McLeod Experience" and afternoon tea.
Where to next year?
Fairfield Wee Doors Open Day
Fairfield Heritage Centre opened its doors to the public yesterday as part of Glasgow's Wee Doors Open Day, the Centre received 414 visitors many who were visiting for the first time and many who were returning to see the progress from previous Doors Open events. The public were given a sneak preview of the heritage exhibits and displays including Ship Models and a great interactive animated timeline of the Fairfield yard and surrounding area.
Many of the Govan Reminiscence Group members were there again this year to lend a hand including Flora Pagan and Jean Melvin (above). Fairfield Heritage Centre at 1048 Govan Road is now open to the public Mon-Fri, 2pm-5pm.
Flora carries baton for Govan
The lovely weather helped bring the crowds out in Govan today to cheer on our very own Flora Pagan as she carried the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 Queen's Baton through part of Govan today.
Flora who is also Vice Chair of Govan Community Council, sits on the Fairfield Steering Group and is also a member of Friends of Elder Park carried the Baton from Elder Park gates on Drive Road to Langlands Road at Pirrie Park Primary.
Well Done Flora!
Click here for more photos of Flora and Queen's Baton
GHA Family Fun Day
Govan Housing Association hosted another great Family Fun Day on Saturday the 28th June held at the Govan Road Campus. Families were treated to Bouncy Castles, Bingo, Mini Zoo, Beat the Goalie and much more.
The Govan Reminiscence Group's Flora Pagan and Jean Melvin (above) were there to demonstrate traditional games including skipping, looks like it was a Fun Day for Flora and Jean.
Flora to carry baton for Govan
The group are pleased to hear that our member and Social Convenor Flora Pagan will be amongst those carrying the Queen's Baton for Govan on the 22nd July 2014.
A well deserved honour for Flora who has been actively involved in the Govan Community for many years, as well as being one of the Govan Reminiscence Group's most valued members she is also the Vice Chair of Govan Community Council and sits on the Fairfield Steering Group and if that wasn't enough Flora is also a member of Friends of Elder Park and is on the management board of Govan Workspace.
Flora has also raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years mainly by selling homemade jams and cakes it is no wonder that Flora was joint winner in the Senior Award category at the 2012 South West Glasgow Community Champion Awards.
Flora on telling the group the news joked that at 84 she might need to support the baton in the belt used to hold the Sheeps Heid which is carried at the Govan Fair. The group will definitely be there to support and cheer on Flora.
Group enjoy another Govan Fair
The Govan Reminiscence Group took part in this years Govan Fair with a Commonwealth Games 2014 theme. The group once again had the privilege of sharing the float and open top bus with the Southern General Hospital and their radio station SouthernSound.
Thanks again SGH! Govan Fair 2014 Photos
"Only In Govan" book released
Only in Govan: A Collection Of Govan Memories was launched today with free copies being given out at Govan Cross before the Govan Fair. The project was led by icecream architecture was commissioned by Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative and contains contributions from members of Govan Reminiscence Group. See: Get Into Govan Website
Group's article in Govan Fair Programme
An article by the group on the Fairfield Heritage Centre is on page 36 of this years Govan Fair Programme. This years Govan Fair will take place on Friday 6th June. See: Govan Fair Website
Digital Stories with Britain From Above
The group has just finished another series of workshops with Emily Dodd freelance writer and author and Brian Wilkinson Activity Officer at RCAHMS for Britain From Above project. The group used their own photos and Britain From Above aerial photographs to create short digital stories of living and growing up in Govan. We will keep you posted as to when and where the digital stories can be seen. Britain From Above Website
Happy 90th Birthday Jean!
The group would like to say happy birthday to Jean Melvin one of our longest serving members who joined the group when she was a spritely 64, however; do not let Jean turning 90 today fool you as she is one of the Reminiscence Group's most active members and is also a member of Govan Community Council, Fairfield Steering Group and Friends of Elder Park. Jean was born in Plantation in 1924 and was brought up in Teucharhill and with a lifetime spanning 9 decades has many great stories to tell.
The group had the honour of being invited to Jean's birthday party on Sunday, it was a great day organised by Jean's family and we were all treated to a fish tea, (Jean's favourite) and some great entertainment with an old-time sing-a-long. Happy Birthday Jean!
GRG article is Editor's Choice
Govan Reminiscence Group article is Editor's choice in Issue 3 of the Govan Life magazine.