April 2010

Post by **TheGorbalsAdmin** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 9:49 pm

Glad you're back....have missed the glesga patter!!
Submitted by: Ann Davies England 30/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

As Fergie and I headed back towards Caledonia Road, he pulled over and stopped in front of the "Devil's Tree". (Not wanting to make a fuss after the last episode) I watched as he stood in front of the tree and drew his head towards his chest, and with the most obnoxious noise, which seemed to be coming up all the way from his boots, he threw his head forward and propelled a huge projectile of phlegm which struck the tree on what I can only describe as a huge donut shaped carbuncle protruding from the tree. A sudden thought entered my mind. What if Gerry knew about the tree? I immediately had a vision in my mind of German bombers landing in Rutherglen Road, in the middle of the night from the east, and lining up in single file from "the tree" all the way back past Shawfield, with one of the crew from the lead aircraft jumping out and spitting on the tree while his aircraft taxied past. After jumping back on, it was full throttle with the bomber's engines straining, it's undercarriage starting to come up, banking to starboard over the park, it's port wingtip just missing the bell tower of the church at the junction of Caledonia Road...and then...off to drop their bombs, with the pilot screaming over the intercom..."KAMERADEN, TONIGHT VE ARE INVINCIBLE"..."SIEG HEIL".
I was immediately brought back to my senses as Fergie slammed the door of the car as he got in and said..."Nae bother sur, that's us, nuffin bads gonny happen the day." We turned left into Caledonia Road and as we passed the church on the corner of Moffat Street, I asked Fergie if there were more churches in the area. "Wit dae yeh wahnt wi churchees sur", he replied. "You see old chap, churches have bell towers, and bell towers make good lookout points to see Gerry coming." "Aye rite, a see wit yeh mean sur". Fergie points his finger up the road and says,"Sur, thur's a big giant wan at the other end ae this road." "A big giant what?" I asked. "Bell tower sur, oan the Greek Thomsin church at the end a Cally Road". "Spiffing old chap, let's go". A few minutes later, we arrived in front of an elegant "Romantic Classic" style church with a very tall bell tower, which should give a panoramic view over the whole target area. Fergie then informed me. "Sur, thur's the Wynd in the gushet". "Did you just say, you've got wind in your gusset?" "Naw sur, ah said the Wynd church jist up the road in the gushet". Curiously I enquired, "What is a gushet?" "Ah don't know sur, that's jist wit they caw it".
We went on foot past The Govanhill Bar and arrived at a large church spread over a triangular shaped piece of land (it suddenly dawned on me why they call it the gushet). I said, "Fergie, the church is the shape of a gusset!" "Sur, whits a gusset?" "Forget it private, let's go". As we got back into the car, the radio crackled into life, and Captain Mar-vell came through to tell me that "there was a bit of a cock-up with the paperwork for the ammunition and there would be a delay, so "could I do a reccy" on his behalf in Govanhill for Bravo two south's gun positions? I said, I would be happy to, and we made our way over the railway bridge into Cathcart Road.
(As my great granddaughter would say)....Laters!....The Major.

Submitted by: Major Marque Sussex, England 30/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

F.A.O. Major Marque - Did you arrive here on an (Inter-Continental-Balistic-Missile) sucking Imperial mints (turned you into an odd-fellow)?? Wee Blether.
Submitted by: Wee Blether Glasgow, Scotland 30/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

A few weeks ago, a lovely family from Canada buzzed my buzzer trying to get into the St Francis Chapel (Centre). I was greeted by a Mr James (Jimmy) Gillespie aged 89yrs and his family. Mr Gillespie used to be an alter boy in St Francis and lived in Mathison Street. It was great to welcome home a Gorbalite and his family. Mr Gillespie told me that his parents owned the one and only shop in Rutherglen Road and I just wondered if any one remembers his family. His father was also James Gillespie. I gave his family details of this site so hopefully they can put more details up. It was great to welcome hame this family and that's what is great about the Gorbals and it's people - we always open our hearts to those who come hame for a wee visit.
Submitted by: Anne Marie  Glasgow, Scotland 30/04/10 Email: ammurray49@yahoo.co.uk

Instead of all the bickering going on at the moment, maybe it would be a good idea to reply to some of the people who are asking if anyone remembers family members. Let's get on with the job this site was set up for - memories.
Submitted by: Taylorcat Glasgow, Scotland 30/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Cathy McEwan - do you remember me in your class at school? We were at Abbotsford Place. Do you remember John Miller, Barry Graham, Josephine Burns, Margaret Mirelese, Alan Sangster, John Crowe, Isabel Green, the janitors daughter, Tom Dougan, Jim Hall, Archie Bowman and Tam?
Submitted by: Tam Craig Glasgow, Scotland 30/04/10 Email: bigtam55@yahoo.com

Well, whit a bliddy cheek fae Marcy. Noo you listen ti me hen, ah know a lot of fine folks who live in all the places you mention, AND you couldnae meet people that take great interest in were they live and get after ony weans that get oot o haun. The inside of the hooses are lovely and when you go ti visit it is no like Canada were you hiv tae take the St. Louis blues aff, staun in the rain and snow perishing cauld and every wan wis awe in competion wi their hooses ...oh aye granted they wur awe lovely , and all bliddy show cases that yi wur feart ti move or get comfy oh and the parties doon in the cellars (dunny) made intae party or family rooms. So me and the hubby who don't drink or smoke (my halo must be tilted) and having being taught that yi niver go ti a gay 'n' heary withoot bringing a bottle or whatever......so we boogied on in wi the cerry oot and no wantin ti be cheap or get slagged we brought in Scotch rum and gin. Don't ask me why gin. So as the night goes oan, party wis rerr good (chanters and such) and after we'd had enough flipping ginger to float a boat doon the Clyde, we get up ti say see ya Oscar Slater, ma cousin Maggie (who is a rerr terr at parties) says, "hey you guys, take yir bottles wi ye. Whit ur yi daft." Oh no, in Canada if you hiv booze left yi take it hame? Huh, ah don't think so Maggie but yi didnae drink ony of it .....och fur *@&!! maggie gies peece. And talk aboot cheap - the men awe hid wee plastc purses that looked like a vagina ti keep their small change in. Nooo am no saying they wur awe like that but enough.
Nooo don't forget Marcy, that is jist ma opinion and there is claty places awe ower the wurld....oh and ah hiv never said ah miss Scotland - yi can never furget yir mcroots but so miny great memories. Tried to live there a couple of times, but got too spoiled wi the California and Florida sunshine so don't take offence again. Everyone is entielld tae their ain opinion....so as they say, have a nice life and may your God bless you. Hi everyone - cannie remember a pub on Mathesion Street, Rutherglen Road was it not Ballater Street? Rita, our sooside newscaster bet everyone she will know Rita. Send me yir auld gear as am no too chubby (yet)!! Best of health to all. DAM
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 29/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Hi wee Wullie - I have checked maps of Mathieson Street, and as far as I can make out, there were three pubs (all corner pubs) on Ballater Street/ Mathieson Street, Cumberland Street/Mathieson Street, Old Rutherglen Road/Mathieson Street. I dont know the names but I will check out my photo files of Gorbals and see if I have those pubs. Bye for now, Norrie.
Submitted by: Norman McNamee  Glasgow, Scotland 29/04/10 Email: norman_mcnamee@hotmail.com

For Marcy in Canada - what a laugh your post gave me! You are absolutely right - the slum way of life simply moved to other areas! The only difference maybe was that there were many more rooms to be slovenly in!! My family moved to Castlemilk - our lifestyle did not change one little iota! Ha ha ha!
Submitted by: Auld Biddy Brighton, England 29/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Re. Finbar Bryson's dad working in the Cleland Bar, in 1967/8 I used tae go with my girlfriend Rena Smith to the Cleland on Friday nights fur the live music. Don't know if Finbars Da was working there then, but as ye asked aboot stories aboot the Cleland. I was a 4th year apprentice bricklayer doing private work with Charlie McDonald [stone mason] at weekends. Charlie had a big van fur the wee mixer etc. but also took the Diplomats[resident band Friday nights in Cleland] guitars etc. to different venues. Anyway, this saturday we finished work and Charlie asked me to gie him a haun loading the bands stuff into the van for the next venue. Rangers had been beaten in the cup final that day and one of their supporters' buses passed the pub. A punter shouted xxxx and the bus stopped - a rake of them came in to kill us. Charlie shouted, "Quick Danny, grab a guitar and run oot the back door." We did, but the back door wiz locked [ aw naw] then we heard the cops coming but what a close shave. I can laugh noo but no then!!!
Submitted by: Danny Gill London, England 29/04/10 Email: gilldanny1@googlemail.com

Once upon a midnight dreary
While I pondered weak and weary
Thinking I was going insane
While I nodded nearly napping
Suddenly there came a tapping
At my window pane
There appeared a face so scary
It was hideous and hairy
Oh my God! I think it's Jerry.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow, Scotland 29/04/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com

Hi Marque, wits goin' on wae ye? I am fae tha Gorbals an my ma and da wir tae. Both Irish but never had a pic or shovel, eh....wits up doc?
Submitted by: Soapy Joe Glasgow, Scotland 29/04/10 Email: JOSEY067@YAHOO.COM

To all Gorbalites wherever you are. Seems like Jerry has a Mammy after all. Ma - arcy. I am so sorry to hear you are as ignorant to how the world goes around as Jerry. The real neds in the world are the bankers and politicians who have made a mess of the world economy through GREED. Isn't GREED the reason why folk went off to Canada, USA and Australia? WW2
Submitted by: Wee Wummn2 Glasgow, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Now, now quieten doon bairnies. A few wee skirmishes going on. Not for me to rock the boat but is Derek no a wee bit of a split personality or to put it another way, who exactly is he fur or against? Stop stirring it whoever you are. Life is far too short. I feel another bear story comming on.
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Marcy from Canada is correct. The majority of Gorbals residents were rehoused in Castlemilk during the late 50's. By the mid 60's, the entire scheme was plagued by vandalism and teenage gangs. Gorbals residents failed to embrace nice new apartments and open green space. The menfolk also failed to cope without a public bar!! By the early 70's, Castlemilk was the NEW Gorbals, ruined by people from the OLD Gorbals. I know, I lived in Tormusk Drive for 25-years and all my neighbours I recognised as from the old Gorbals.
Submitted by: May Black Glasgow, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: MayB@blueyonder.com

To Herself the Elf, Emily - Same old same old. I do get just a teensy weensy hacked bit hacked off at the "My heart will always be in Glasgow bit." Typical American palava. Do you really want to know what the rest of the world thinks about the great USA? Maybe kinder to let you be. Tell ye whit hen, you'd be better aff coming back to Glasgow - or at least Scotland. For all this country's faults, at least we are honest people, speak the truth and are true to our roots. Jist do us all a favour - get REAL lol. Derek
Submitted by: Derek Errol East Kilbride, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

F.A.O. Marcy & Jerry - ma late in laws, and the rest of the famly came fae Waddell Street - Rab Reid, his bros Wassel (Willie), Marty & Joe, their sisters Tilly, Margaret & Isobel. Their maw & da wer called Wullie & Bella, dae ye remember them? Let me know please if ye dae. THE JANNIE X
Submitted by: James Fletcher Glasgow, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: jimthejannie@btinternet.com

F.A.O. Marcy - hiv you turnt Canada intae a slum? Efter aw, you came fae Waddell Street, 'n' accordin tae you, when a moved fae the Gorbals, av turnt Partick intae wan. Wen wiz the last time you visited Glasgow or the Gorbals? Go intae any site oan yer computer, look at the photos of Glasgow or the Gorbals - it'll make yer jaw drap. Ma wee nephew bought a brand new hoose at Cumberland Street - a hunner an' forty grand!! Ye could buy effin canada for that. Nice tae hear fae ye Marcy. Keep cumin back, yer patter's brill, THE JANNIE. X
Submitted by: James Fletcher Glasgow, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: jimthejannie@btinternet.com

Hi Marcy. And what is the name of the slum you created when you moved? Mick
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com

Hi. re. J.M.Barrie: as far as I know, he did not stay in Gorbals but founded the Citizens Theatre in Gorbals Street in 1945. Hope this helps. Gerry, ex Ballater Street.
Submitted by: Gerry O'Connor East Kilbride, Scotland 28/04/10 Email: geraldoconnor@dfid.gov.uk

I came from Waddell Street also and Jerry is right about some things. However, I have to say, some on this board say they miss the old Gorbals. Not so - you just took it with you when you moved and started another slum area in Pollock, Priesthill, Easterhouse or whatever other place you might have gone to in and around Glasgow. So you can't miss the old place that much as you created another one whereever you went.
Submitted by: Marcy Canada 28/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Derek, this is for you. I came to the States in 1960 and I did not flee as you put it, I came by my own free will. I see you flew the coop yourself to East Kilbride. I may live here but my heart will always be in Glasgow and I will defend it when I see fit. Herself the Elf, Emily Biros.
Submitted by: Emily Biros California, USA 28/04/10 Email: GLASGOWLASSIE@hotmail.com

F.A.O. Margaret Rutherford: are you the same Margaret Rutherford that stayed in Waddell Court, the mother of Tam and Phillip? If so, please get back to me. Cheers the noo.
Submitted by: Stephen Mullan Stirlingshire, Scotland 27/04/10 Email: CSMULLAN@AOL.COM

Hi Mick. J.M.Barrie is not one I have on the list as living in the Gorbals - as far as I can see, he was born in Kirriemuir, Angus, then, aged 8, moved to Glasgow to attend The Glasgow Academy. Aged 13, he moved to Dumfries. I will research this and post my findings.
Submitted by: Webmaster 27/04/10

Hi Webmaster. J. M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, lived in the Gorbals. Could you give us a wee Bio please? Thanks Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow,Scotland 27/04/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com

Webmaster, thank you for that information on Sir Thomas Lipton. Yes, he was born in Crown Street. My family also came from Crown Street many years ago. I did know of his love of sailing but not of his adventures in football. He was very well thought of and respected in many circles. Once again, someone to be proud of from our little place in the world.
Submitted by: Marion Nova Scotia, Canada 27/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Whit is it wi Derek? Relative of Jerry's? Soor plooms? Green eyed monster? Or whit? Jist you listen tae me boy, if Jerry is entitled to his opinion then we are entitled to ours. Stick that up yer humph or where the moon don't shine. WW2
P.S. Maybe you should hiv a nice long visit to LA LA land and meet up wi yer pal Gerry. I like it fine here so that's why I stayed put. What's your excuse?
Submitted by: Wee Wummin 2 Glasgow, Scotland 26/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Anon, you hit it right on the button - we were all indeed touched with genius. Of course, that same genius gave us world class inventors, thinkers and doers. From Adam Smith through Fleming, Bell and McAdam "wee arra people" back to the back courts. Sitting singing your heart oot on top of a round midgie can till it wiz pitch dark - pretending it wiz a horse. Imagining you were best pals wi Roy Rodgers and Trigger wiz nae bother at awe. Tin can battered doon over a stick to form a hatchet and a scarf tied roon yir heid and voila - you were an Indian Chief. A bit of patchsheet tied around a pole and you became an impressario and held your very own back street concert in the semi tent you had created. Scaling walls, tops of midges and dikes and you were a circus performer. And the shops with wallies were ok I took it a step further - I sneaked things oot the hoose like coconut and currants - filled them into a wee paper pokes and sold them for a penny-and became an entrepreneur. Aaah, that's whits wrang wi the weans these days. No motivation to be inventive. It's all done for them - from computer games to Facebook and Twitter. Jeeze don't you feel sorry them. God will ye just listen to me - turning into an old crone. Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 26/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Does anyone remember the Drummonds of Crammond Street?
Submitted by: Jean Clark Cumbernauld, Scotland 26/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Does anybody have a photo or any info on my grandad, Patrick James Boyle? In 1935, he lived at 122 Naburn Street when he married my gran, Mary Kilkie who lived at Oregan Street. In the late 30s - early 40s, they lived at 132 South Portland Street and in 1946 at 10 1/2 Eglinton Lane where Patrick died in that year. On the marriage certificate, he was a metal refiner so would this have been at Dixons Blazez? Any info or photos greatly appreciated, never seen my grandad before so looking forward to any reply please.
Submitted by: Tommy Boyle Leicester, England 26/04/10 Email: tommyketchup123@hotmail.com

Can anyone out there help settle a friendly disagreement? Was there ever a Public Bar situated in Mathieson Street? If yes, what was the name of it?
Submitted by: Wee Wullie Glasgow, Scotland 26/04/10 Email: Storm@blueyonder.com

Aye Rita, Backcourts? Ours in Sandyfaulds Street in the pend, suppose we were lucky. Wisnae grass mind you but it was walled in by the pend, the chemical works and the bakery (nice big warm wa') so we didnae hiv the traffic like the rest - only six hooses up the stair. The washoose lasted longer than maist can mind going down early banging about tae scare the night shift, lighting the fire under the boiler and generally getting it ready for herself, other backs were used as shortcuts where the railings/walls were demolished either by the midgie men who if they could use one close to do umpteen midgies saved a lot of time and walking plus a wee bit o' help wi' the tonnage didnae go wrang or people just tearing things down to make a shortcut. Mind you, the bricks and stuff didnae go to waste - dens and wee shops went up at in a flash currency? Broken Wallie, tintaps aff bottles stuck on your jersey by taking the cork out the inside of the top, putting the tintop on the outside of the garment and pushing the cork back in to it from inside the pullover or whatever, making matchstick guns from the rubber seal of ginger bottle screw stoppers....bit of wood say six inches long by about an inch wide slide the rubber over it to about the middle, push a kirby under it and slay the legs to about 45 degrees, so kirby head one side and legs the other of the rubber pull the head back stick a match into it and fire, hunners mair things just think bloody genius we were. TQ, Drugs? we never had coin o' the realm fur and it wisnae about as much but today there but for grace of who knows. Myself I reckon no way will it disappear as long as money can be made so legalsie the bloody lot, serve it ower the counter that'll pit the mokkirs on at least the violence from dealers and the users? Well there's nae kick from the shady deals and the so called big men who can "get it" lose out. Too many blethers from me. Ta Ta.
Submitted by: Anonymous Glasgow, Scotland 25/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

I have been trying to figure out how to get past the new way of connecting.....T>Q, sorry to hear of all the rotten things health wise, that you have been going on......drugs are fine if taken when needed, but then again some of them freaking side effects, oh and don't forget if reaction should occur...... aaaaaaand wrong prescriptions from some doctor who can't even spell, so covers it up by doing the DOCTOR SCRIBBLE. Mind you, there is good, bad, and fugly in every walk of life. Noooo, let's get to the other stuff. The famous WEED MARAJUBY GRASS WHATEVER NAME it is called...my husband has tourret syndrome ....no he does not curse, but has seizures, shakes and shouts. After dealing with all the legal drugs to no avail, we started to bake with it. He can control his Tourrets much better, and can still drive (not too far of course) and there is so many people that do need it for their pain and misery, not the high. It is a trip just sitting watching how a person can get so relaxed in seconds if it is smoked through a vaporizer, and then they can breath. I am talking about cancer. Hey Rita, nice to know that our family lived in a Toffy neighbourhood@ Snowdon Street low down to the left. Wee room facing the Cuddy Brae and the clyde looking out to the Glasgow Green. Did not have grass in our days once they took down the pailings? During the WWII it was just a shortcut, and no one could afford to plant anything. But the houses on Waterside Street always had wee hedges. Took Mary out for a walk along Main Street. It was busy so I started to do wheelies and run with her, she was yelling Doris ya daft get, am gonnie do you in when we get home, and big Slugger was yelling stoap ya mental you know what, I'm gonnie toss you in the bliddy pool. Terrible what some people do to get noticed. Hope every one is well, and as healthy as one can be. DAM
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 25/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Dear Major Marque, you didnae half put it aboot when you were up in Glesca. It would appear to that you are a chancer, a patter merchant and bigamist! My mother tells me you were some kisser and has very fond memories of using a ton of panstick to cover up the evidence of your winching which was written all over her neck! Say nae mair! Your Darling other daughter, Luv Marque.
Submitted by: Luv Marque Glasgow, Scotland 25/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Dear all, leave Jerry alone, he was only telling it like it was. I think that you have all been acting like a crowd of bullies. He is entitled to his opinion. What is with you people who have fled the country and lived abroad for several years and go all gooie about Gorbals. If it was so great then why did you leave in the first place? Derek
Submitted by: Derek Errol East Kilbride, Scotland 25/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Sir Thomas Lipton was born in Crown Street in 1850 where his parents later opened a shop. Impressed by American business methods on a trip to the USA, he opened his own groceries shop in the city at the age of 21. He soon established a huge chain of shops with branches in almost every town in Scotland and England, employing 10,000 people. He cut out the middleman and was able to undercut competitors and give good value to his customers. To make sure of his tea supplies, he bought Ceylon plantations; in the USA he bought packing companies and meat stores. He also gave generously to charities. Through Italian connections, he almost founded the First World Cup Football competition but was snubbed by the English Football Association.
He later indulged himself in his love of the sea and became a noted yachtsman. He made several attempts to take the Americas Cup. Though he died in London he was laid to rest in the Southern Necropolis.

Submitted by: WEBMASTER 25/04/10

F.A.O. Mick: I believe Thomas Lipton once lived in Crown Street. This may be an urban myth, but I was told that the people who lived up that close never had to pay rent.
Submitted by: Joan USA 25/04/10 Email: artandjoan@att.net

TO MARGARETT@BT.INTERNET.COM Did you live in Waddell Court Tam and Phillip? Please let me know, either on this site or csmullan@aol.com.
Submitted by: Stephen Mullan Stirlingshire 24/04/10 Email: CSMULLAN@AOL.COM

I remember my mother telling me about Sir Thomas Lipton's funeral. It wound its way through the Gorbals on route to the grave yard. It was a hugh affair. On the top of his casket was a very large anchor made from flowers. My Mom would be 94 now and I remember her telling me this many years ago. Maybe there are some folk out there that can remember this?
Submitted by: Marion Nova Scotia, Canada 24/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Hi there. Trying to find my nephew Patrick better known as Paddy Duncan. Tattoo on his head, last known to have lived Kirkintolloch - need to contact very urgently. Not heard from him in a while - Paddy my son, miss you pal.
Submitted by: Ryan Fido Glasgow, Scotland 23/04/10 Email: the-lucky-bag-shop@hotmail.com

Drugs - people of the Gorbals I wish you to open your minds and think of the billions of dollars the illegal drug trade makes in the year and probably this is the most likely cause that makes it so attractive to police and politicians as well as drug dealers - very hard to stop......but wait! All is not lost as you most likely know! Tell some person that he or she can't have something and they are most likely to go against the suggestion so why do we have prohibition? It only makes people wonder what's behind the green door. When pubs shut at 9:30pm in the evening the addicted to drink person always could find a good shebeen. This addiction is in many people like, it or loathe it. Most of us have this problem but we control it till the end of the day before we have a tipple so does most cannabis users except for the ones who start as soon as the eyes open in the morning - they must have the bong. Okay for the people who wake up with some serious illness that this bong will relieve the symptoms of, not for the guy who has a road to toll, why? You go tell anyone it doesn't affect them and they can do a good day's toil. I can assure you this is rubbish. In the five years that I took cannabis for the different cancers I was able to converse with my family, eat well, I went to the club, even go shopping but it all had to be done in my terms - unfair to others yes! "But I was very sick!" I could just imagine myself going down thistle Street to catch the tramcar to Bridgton cross having a puff on the way waiting at the cross for the red bus (SMT) to take me to Motherwell for my work questioning myself should I or shouldn't I. (ache F it) run up the bus stairs and have another puff soon the joint would be finished and I would be stoned. As the bus pulls up at Bellshill, I run down the stairs jumping off in a semi-dazed state as the bus pulled away in the middle of nowhere miles from my Job "Awe shyte wrong stop" without a care in the world "probably if I walk I would get there for lunch today who cares!" Now here's the problem. I'm so stoned I lose my Job and I don't give a shit! Quitting this drug is NO PROBLEM - you just stop unless you have a weak personality the trouble with most of cannabis smokers is they mixed it with tobacco - ever try to quit tobacco? This would be the hardest of all drugs for folks to quit and you cannot compare it's addiction with cannabis. Tobacco number one killer! I remember I smoked for a couple of years back in the Gorbals in Thistle Street. Before I emigrated to Australia, I decided to quit - not an easy choice deciding I would - I did and it wasn't an easy battle much tougher than getting on my feet after a broken back! Looking in the drawers and cupboards for little butts so small that we had to stick a pin in it to get one drag before your lips would get burned. Addiction - that's ADDICTION! 10 Quid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 23/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

I liked your letter 10 Quid. I too am a cancer survivor for 2 years now thanks to UCLA in LA and a great team of doctors. My family was told I wasn't going to make it but here I am. Went through 6 months of radical chemo but with a positive attitude, I was determined I was going to win this battle. About the drug problem all over the world - I was a pharmacy tech for many years and a lot of good people are hooked on prescription drugs your doctor prescribes, especially pain meds, most of them are narcotics. Glesga pals, when your doc writes you a prescription, be sure to ask him what the side affects are. Thanks WEBMASTER for getting the site back up - I missed it. Herself the Elf, Emily Biros.
Submitted by: Emily Biros California, USA 23/04/10 Email: GLASGOWLASSIE@HOTMAIL.COM

I wonder if Jerry ever went fishing for a bag-o-minnows in the Ducksie or played hide and seek in Caledonia Road graveyard? Seriously, did you all know that Sir Thomas Lipton (of the tea fame) is buried in Caledonia Road graveyard? Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow, Scotland 23/04/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com

F.A.O. Anon - Got a wee chocolate brown labrador, cute as a button when he doesn't stop dead without any warning, right in the very middle of the road with cars honkin' and tootin' to get you out of the way. It's then he drops his "business" in the middle of the road giving you the biggest "riddy" ever. Then you kinda almost drap own wan knee as if at an alter in church to pick up its doings with all the bravado you can muster put it in a wee plastic bag. Dead cool-that's me....Anyway loosing the thread ...my wee dug, soon to be a big dug, loves Cathkin Braes. First time he was there his eyes were rolling at the back of his heid. Yeah your right, it was the countryside - but anywhere that had more than 2 blades of grass and a tree was the countryside to me. Oor backcourts were so full of clabber that you could almost feel it sucking you in. Dead envious of the folk in the "new hooses" Benthall Street/Snowdon Street dead glamorous so it wiz to hiv the luxury of green grass ootside your close. Lovely green grass in their backcourts.
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 23/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Drugs: you may wonder why I am writing on this site about drugs! Quite simple the good gorbals people from all over the world read the site, therefore, they know if they have a problem in their own backyard. The problem is in nearly every other house "if it is a problem!" Now supposing you have cancer and the physician prescribes morphine. "Legally" taking the morphine leaves you in a state of "euphoria" - rubbish, leaves you out of your mind like a zombie hearing out of tune violins don't know the family and don't care, can't eat, won't eat, dehydration, loss of weight, doctor visiting you saying it won't be long - "shit what's this crap you're giving me - morphine" - been there done it.
Cannabis - the use of this "Illegal drug in most countries of the Western world that I know is hypocritical! Cannabis use for medical purposes is okay in the early 6s it was used extensively in the Vietnam War and in the good old US of A. come the end of the war everything changed "Why!" It opened the state of the mind and leaves the person to think of positive things such as why we went to Vietnam and for that matter any other war! But leaving aside the politics which we can't but for the moment we must - the local hospital where I live still has a packet of cannabis cigarettes on display along with other surgical paraphernalia of olden days gone by [pre 66] mixed with other herbs for the relief of asthma. It works as I know from folks who use it illegally. I myself used it for the relief of vomiting and pain in the case of cancers at various stages of the disease. Remembering the night wee betty cooked some cannabis biscuits for me! Taking them from the oven, we left them standing at the kitchen table. She began to dip a finger in the oily broken biscuits by her side - she would dip in a finger and with her tongue and lips she sucked on a forefinger, giddily smiling. She was taking pure cannabis oil and bits of biscuits that had been drained off while in the oven - it took no longer than 15 minutes for her to be "stoned" she never realized what she was doing and neither did I and here I am waiting eagerly for the biscuits to cool. Eating the biscuits would take about 45 minutes before it would take effect and all I had to do was run my finger through the broken biscuit oil and get rid of my sickness and feel good - "the feel-good biscuits" we christened them. In 1992 my first struggle with bowel cancer began after coming home from a day out to our club! Two scruffy looking men with a young girl had broken into our home and were about to leave with some of our possessions until we intercepted them. A fight broke out and to cut a long story short, they escaped. I gave the police the number of the car and they were apprehended. As is the usual, they were released and threatend to charge me because I had used a hammer in self-defence. They got off Scott free and I collect the warning. My wife Betty got a broken finger - we didn't realise till much later. We could have sued for criminal damage. Meanwhile, we cleaned ourselves up only for me to find I'm bleeding from the rectum (nearly killed UM!) Some things in this world of sin are sent to try you without that trouble the big C. May have got worse and I wouldn't have known. within days I would be operated on! Please to read on as I believe drugs are the biggest mess in society. Ten quid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 22/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Good we are back up and running - it's amazing how much you miss this page. Anyway, a question to Mr. Marque. Can you write for enjoyment and can you stop running the Irish down in a ridicule manner and why are you implicating our friend 10 Q - please let us know and mocking people won't get you friends. Iain.
Submitted by: Iain Cleary Glasgow, Scotland 22/04/10 Email: iain cleary44@yahoo.com

Does anyone remember the Johnson family? Elsie and Alex my parents and Jean my sister. Lived in Sacriston, Co. Durham. I am looking for my son whom I have never seen since he was 7 named Alan born to Brenda Johnson. He will be in his 40's now. My wife and I got a divorce and she never let me see him. I re-married and am now living in Canada but have been trying to find my son. I am 77 now so if anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. Also looking for friends that knew our family.
Submitted by: Jack Johnson  Durham, England 22/04/10 Email: sccc1933@hotmail.com

Does anyone remember the Goltman family? Lived at 56 Marchburn Avenue for 21 years - sisters Rosemary and Barbara, brothers David, Richard and Alan. Went to Marchburn Primary School in 1961, then Middlefield School in 1963 then Hilton High in 1968. Looking for anyone who remember the family.
Submitted by: Muriel Goltman Aberdeen, Scotland 22/04/10 Email: dyce56@hotmail.com

Great to have the site up and running again. Anyone from the Lawmoor Street area in the early 40's and knew the Connor family? Joe Connor passed away in Florida March this year. He'll be sadly missed.....
Submitted by: George G. O'Brien Burlington, Canada 22/04/10 Email: carnwadric@hotmail.com

Major Marque - I do believe we may be related. Is it possible?
Submitted by: Keek Marque Glasgow, Scotland 22/04/10 Email: maggies@onemain.com

Where has everybody gone? In order to get a posting accepted you need to fill in Name; Town; City; you also require to insert something in the email address bit. This is a technical requirement and not something dreamed up to get your email address. Sorry if I am stating the obvious but you will not get postings on the site unless you put something in each of the headings as above. Lesson over. I think a lot of postings were lost due to the technical problems, so lets hear from you. Some of the stories were fascinating eg. Major Marque. Cheers Rita.
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 22/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

"Hey Rita, It WAS the country once. You left the No. 2 bus terminus at the Ruglin end o' Kings Park Road - it was nothing but a track through ferms and all sorts 'till ye got to the top. If I mind right, there was a kind of cafe/tearoom at the top. Another wee plus was, as you say, a bottle o' ginger and a piece didnae last long but jist at the bus terminus was a gairden wi fruit in it.....say nae mair. During the breakdown, I sent a wee memory that was to do wi a sound a heard the other day which was just like a piece 'n jam hitting my wee haunds efter getting flung oot a three story windae, that was one catch never missed."
Submitted by: Anonymous Glasgow, Scotland 21/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Hurray we are back! So missed the great upsurge of interest on the site due to steady posts and a great service by the Web Master. Became addictive- felt unfulfilled if a didnae get to wite a wee contribution. A bit like a diary, but unlike a diary you would from time to time get the diary answering you back..... I hope every body that calls themselves a Gorbalite kept up the tradition, boiled their eggs eggs painted them and then rolled them doon a hill. This year I went to Cathkin Braes. Great Memories of my Auntie Cathy Hawkins nee Moffat. Every Easter she led a great big squad of weans out and about to roll their Easter eggs. Some years it was Hogganfield Loch, Linnpark or Queenspark. My favourite was always Cathkin Braes - spoilt for choice with all those hills. Felt like something out of Enid Blytons Famous Five wi "Picnic"- your pieces 'n' jam and maybe NHS orange juice, sugarolly water or if your Mammy wiz flush a bottle of American Cream Soda. Lovely. The food and drink tasted like nectar to hungry weans especially out in what we called "the country" Ah, those were the days my friend. Cheers Rita
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 21/04/10 Email: Not Supplied

Looking to make contact with any friends/associates/work colleagues of my much missed father, Francis (FRANK) Bryson of Hospital Street in The Gorbals. Particularly delighted by previous response to Daily Record ad some 3 years ago and many, many thanks to all who got in touch. Any regulars of Cleland Bar where my father worked part-time, stories, photos, memories - we have collected many now - Freddie McGowan and family please make contact. God Bless....what a wonderful site and online contact you have all created.
Submitted by: Finbar Bryson Nottingham, England 20/04/10 Email: fbryson@btinternet.com

Lived in Tollcross - brothers Alex and Tony, parents Agnes and Alex. Would like to find anyone who knows us. Also about cousins Jackie an dad Jakie Meighan and late uncle John's family. Thank you.
Submitted by: Linda Meighan Rugby, England 15/04/10 Email: lmcintyre1@sky.com