Submitted by: Angus Dunbar Cheshire, England 31/05/10 Email: keurgon1@aol.com
F.A.O. Anne Bagan - yes Anne, it was called Florence Street Clinic - my mum worked there for about 25 years. The caretaker then was called Ernie Pike, then my brother Jim became caretaker (I'm not sure about the dates.) If you get the Gorbals Illustrated History, there are old photo's of the dentist room the chair and the footy pump they used for the drill. If you need any more info, I can ask my brother - hope this helps. Pat.
Submitted by: Pat Holland London, England 28/05/10 Email: patlyonsholland@hotmail.co.uk
F.A.O. Cathie from Blackpool -aye but are we not the lucky ones - it's a great thing this work ethic! People think I'm blethering when I say I like working. Don't get me wrong I was struggling a bit with the Arthur Itis. Not every day was good either - I am less tolerant and very prone to speak my mind. But heh, it was a lot better than being stuck in the hoose with nothing but a budgie to argue with! And yes, the wise employers know that we auld yins are better workers and more dependable. All that accumulated experience must count for something! But you know what gets on my wick? Folk that think when your over 60 your saft and daft. It's a cultural thing - we just don't get respect or recognition in the UK for our experience and wisdom. You begin to think....well maybe their right, when you are a little forgetful or canny manage a gigantic spread sheet or don't use Twitter or Facebook. My workmates fell about laughing last year when I wandered into the office looking for a prized possession that kept all my files, letters and reports together in one tidy place. "Anybody know where I put my memory stick?" was greeted with hoots of laughter and wee sleekit "I told you she's lost it" looks. Aye right - no done yet!They can shove their twitter. Very, very disapointed Cathie cannie get the bliddy whip and peerie to work! I'm jist rubbish at it lost the knack.....and the will to live, as I tried again and again to make it birl and spin. Not giving up - didn't come this far for a whip and peerie to get the better of me...... P.S. Not too proud to ask for tips though. Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 28/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Re. Agnes - I always thought the children were thrown from a window in Toryglen Street. I will try and find out for sure. Ten Quid's last story was great. Re. Danny Gill - anyone could start a menage - someone at work or a neighbour. It run for 20 weeks and all 20 numbers got put in a hat and you all picked a number that was the week you were paid out the cash. Whoever was running the menage had the privelage of having the first turn they collected the money every week. It was usually for £20 cash - you always tried to get good payers so that you weren't chasing after your money every week.
Submitted by: Christina Philbin London, England 28/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Agnes Herrity - The story is true about the woman who threw the kids over the window in Oatlands. It was Toryglen Street though not Roseberry Street. Not sure of the actual year. I thought it was 1963 - someone else on here said 1960 so can't help you any further with that. There was several kids, I think about 5 or 6 but again not totally definite on that that number either as the old memory ain't what it used to be. Someone on here had a sister that was one of the victims of this woman's madness. Hope this is of some help to you. Other folk on here have also mentioned it at different times. Pat.
Submitted by: Pat Mooney 27/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Regarding the comment about people not putting their email address's when they post on here. Any regular reader on here knows that several people have received threats by email when they dared to voice an opposing opinion of certain individuals' comments. Melvin Bernstein (RIP) was one such person who stated his opinion and got threatened in return as did several others as well. It's laughable on here as well how certain folk defend other certain folk. They insult folk who would dare to say anything negative about their pals on here and then tell you everyone's entitled to their opinion, but apparently that only means if you write in praise of their auld cronies - talk about birds of a feather. Dare to disagree and you're an idiot etc. How old are you all? For the Webmaster - thanks for the great job you do on here. As for the time consuming job of editing the posts, cut your time in half and delete posts that don't serve the purpose of the guide-lines of this site which say it's to share your experiences of living and working in the Gorbals or for trying to get in touch with folks. Old memories are brilliant and make for interesting reading but a vivid imagination and people with writing diarrhea is quite a different matter. This is a great wee site that's being ruined by people posting in here with self indulgent nonsense. Cheers - Pat.
Submitted by: Pat Mooney 27/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Does anyone remember the night the Two-Max factory in Ballater Street got bombed during the war? I remember my mammy took me to an air-raid shelter over in the Glasgow Green and I wandered outside and saw the search lights on a German bomber and the flack from the ack-ack all around it. Then a nice army lady took me by the hand and escorted me back inside the air-raid shelter. I can't remember what Two-Max produced. Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallacher Glasgow, Scotland 27/05/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com
F.A.O. Cathie from Blackpool. Hi Cathie - read your posting that you lived in Salisbury Street. I was born there in 1935 and stayed until I got married 1956. My mother moved when the demolition started in the beginning of the 60's. I have 4 sisters and 1 brother - we stayed in a singlend up 27 then moved to a room and kitchen with inside toilet up 15 next to George's Dairy. Amelia.
Submitted by: Amelia McKinlay Glasgow, Scotland 27/05/10 Email: ameliamckinlay@msn.com
To Margaret Lindsay - the lamplighters were disbanded in the 1960s and the lamps sold for scrap.
To Jean Ritchie - you're right, old Tam has brought back his other false character - the Father from Stirling - to stir it up! The old Tam geezer must have too much time on his hands to make up all the ancient lies. Why doesn't he call the Samaritans instead? But I heard the last time he did - they hung up. Ha! Ha! John B.
Submitted by: John B. Glasgow, Scotland 27/05/10 Email: johnb@yahoo.com
To Tam! Keep on taking the pills and sending in the false names - they are all giving us BIG tears of laughter in fact...as Harold Steptoe would say, "You sad old man!" Sean.
Submitted by: Sean Mahoney Glasgow, Scotland 27/05/10 Email: sean@hotmail.co.uk
To Ten Quid and all my Gorbals pals - well said Ten Quid. You have certainly put "big" Tam in his place. My man reckons he is a fantasy island merchant! Madder than the maddest guy in Madland on National Mad Day! The best bet is to completely ignore him! To all at Gorbals Live - keep up the good work. Most of us are normal, nice "wee" people! Jean.
Submitted by: Jean Ritchie Glasgow, Scotland 27/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I don't know if it's of any help to A. Bagan but I was born in 1948 and to the best of my knowledge, the clinic she speaks of has always been called Florence Street Clinic.
Submitted by: Frank Young Glasgow, Scotland 27/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
My dad was brought up in the Gorbals. He remembered good and bad things about the place. He said he lived in a flat above a pub in Church Street, but can't seem to find that street in any street maps. He's passed on now so can't ask him. Mcintyre and Stark are the family names - would've lived in the Gorbals from the 40's to 60's. I'm interested in finding out if there is indeed a Church Street - any info. greatly appreciated. Karl.
Submitted by: Karl McIntyre Dublin, Ireland 26/05/10 Email: karlpeterheinz@hotmail.com
Major - Ta for the response mate. I actually thought you wrote that and considered it hilarous. Just got a bitty peeved off about the Irish - ah well it seems we've got some nutter - nothing unusual. Keeps the world going round they say. Anyway, whoever wrote it leave out the mimicking and write some more and put your own name on it because basically it was a good story. Anyway Majorm, were you born in the Gorbals and where are you now? Take car, Harry.
Submitted by: Harry Young Glasgow, Scotland 26/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
T.Q. - I surely get your point and enjoyed your letter immensely, probably except for the wee bit near the end - not to worry. I always felt you were a man who could take it on the chin, like myself. I get critised but accept it, as people are entitled to their opinion good or bad. I sincerely must apologise - perhaps the wording of my mail to you was not particularly dignified. I meant no harm, believe me. Just the general conception of things on here from certain people probably influenced me to write in that hasty manner. Yes, where you are, it's a different world and people living up here who have never left Glasgow disbelieve these stories. Make no mistake, I have been around and I was inclined to believe a little exaggeration on your part, but no probs with me. As I said in my last letter, I always enjoyed your stuff - it's funny most of the time and I wish more people were like this - you have a sense of humour and good wit. Thanks for getting back to me in your straight forward way, I prefer that direction. Good luck, Big Tam.
Submitted by: Tam Craig Glasgow, Scotland 26/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Re. Ruby's hardware shop in Queen Elizabeth Square. We used to buy paraffin for the oil heaters there. It was cheaper than using the central heating. My mum bought me a bedside lamp from Ruby's for my 18th birthday. Imagine giving that to an 18 year old now, ha ha.
Submitted by: Rose Doyle Donegal, Ireland 26/05/10 Email: rosedoyle1@hotmail.com
While doing family research we found that my husbands grandfather an Adam McGregor lived in a single end at the junction of Norfolk Street and Dover Street in 1932 to 1939 and came to Newcastle to work in the Naval Yard at the outbreak of ww11
Submitted by: Pamela McGregor Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 25/05/10 Email: pamelamcgregor135@btinternet.com
Does anyone know what happened to all the old street lamps when they tore down all the old tenements in the Gorbals. When we were kids we used to sit under those lamps and tell ghosts stories, we were right across from the graveyard on Caledonia Road and we used to watch the lamplighter come every night and light those lamps. Please stop all your bitching and just let us all enjoy the memories we have of growing up in the Gorbals.
Submitted by: Margaret Lindsay San Diego, California, USA 25/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Just looking and reflecting all the recent banter it will never change, every time Colin Mac writes in a new book he writes in fictitous names saying its a great book and then on the other hand some one else writes in saying its a rubbish book but I ask the question if the book is not even out yet how has JEAN RICHIE, SEAN MAHONEY so glued up on it, these two characters have never wrote into this site in its entireity, so its perfectly obvious my friends its just people on here trying to cause trouble. We do not want it or need it. I have searched on here back to 2008 and these names never appeared before. If you want to sell your book do it in the right way and I am sure we will all be interested, but this insane method is disrupting the whole Gorbals ancedotes, grow up man, also to the other culprit Jonny B stop making us IRISH people out to be villains we are not, I seem to remember you boasting about the Cumbie before and stabbings, Your Brazen Heads put a letter through my door in Stirling telling me that I must watch my back well my Father in Heaven does a good job of that and I do not fear any threats /what age are you, you must be over 60, get a life and leave us descent people on here to enjoy our relationships. Father Peter Devlin.
Submitted by: Father Peter Devlin Stirling, Scotland 25/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I had a friend who moved to the USA I dont know if she ever comes onto this site. Her name is Ann Ward she lived with her gran in Eglington Street, she moved to Mosspark when she was 14 years we did stay in touch for a time. So if your out there get in touch my old gorbals pal.
Submitted by: Marie Kelly Glasgow, Scotland 25/05/10 Email: may51@hotmail.co.uk
Hi does anyone remember Jimmys Amusement cafe? he was at the row of shops below the Queen Elizabeth Square flats, he sold the sweets and sherbet and various flavours of ice cream. I was just a nipper I also think there was a hardware shop called Rubys she sold tennis balls etc__ memories eh.
Submitted by: Anon Glasgow, Scotland 24/05/10 Email: vivab@hotmail.co.uk
Does anyone remember this wee song;"Last night there was a fight in the fish shoap a wee dug stole a haddy bone an a big dug shouted haufers an hut it wi a tottie scone. Ah went roon tae ma aunty Sarah's tae see if she wiz in an ah looked through a hole in the windae an shouted aunty Sarah urr ye in? Her gless eye wiz lyin oan the table, her wig wiz hingin oan a peg an the wee dug bursted oot laughin' when he saw her screwin aff her widden leg"
I'm looking for some of the people who grew up with me in Lawmoor St. I lived in the bit between Ballater St and Rutherglen Rd, number 109 to be precice. I often wonder what became of old neighbours once we were scattered to the 4 winds during the slum clearances. There were the Jacksons, Tony, Peter and a younger brother called Gerrard I think. Their uncle, also called Tony, was a great accordionist and played in several pubs in the sooside. Then there was Davy Rutherford, who took me to my first senior football match it was at Ibrox and it was Rangers v's Dundee. We walked there and back. Nowadays that would rank as child cruelty, not the long walk, but being made to watch Rangers. I'm only joking, Davy was always very good to me, I hope he sees this and gets in touch
Submitted by: Frank(Wee Pammy) Young Glasgow, Scotland 24/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
J Ritchie. I lived in the Gorbals all my life and a lot of people on this site know me since I went to Abbotsford place, school, I was always taller for my age and got nicknamed Big Tam that name believe it or not has stuck with me, its just the same as you you shorten your name, how about all the names on here, you support they are TQ, Auld Biddy, Major in fact most have names are they childish including you to? The next question you asked was why do people do this well why dont you ask them your the coward not them, you have my answer. Another thing you ask why do people not have e-mails well I did at one time until the Brazen Head Cumbie threatened me as they have done to others. Theres your honest answers, point is who are you? I never heard of you its funny how you insult me makes me believe your one of the guys who sent the e-mail is it you Colin I guess it is. Cheers to all the good Gorbals people. Big Tam
Submitted by: Tam Craig Glasgow, Scotland 24/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Tam Craig who else but you would have the intelligence to know that there is nowt here! When I watch the sunrise out of the Pacific Ocean after its long swim from the east coast off California dripping wet there is "Nowt!" to see! In the evening when it has dried out on its journey across eastern Australia it sets the sky on fire as it tips over the tree clad mountains parrots and kookaburras and other animals rushing to make their beds for the night yes Tam there's "nowt here!" reminds me of Lawmoor Street, suppose, I miss catching the doos! In the loft with its rats scurrying to steal the pigeon's food, lazing about in the heated swimming pool or having a spa and suffering the thoughts when I was younger of surfing the beautiful crystal clear greenly blue waves that pound the beach, "nowt here!" Can't compare that to the ducksy!! Where my younger brother "RIP Bobby" was nearly drowned as a baby! I had the privilege of having him live here in my son's house "gorbals lad" for six years and he loved nothing better than go down to the Creek feeding the Penney turtles catfish and mullet having the privilege to see a large Python-swim across the free flowing water! "Nowt here Tam!" "NOT Fantasizing!" Where I live, I can ride down the street on my electric bike and think myself lucky as I can PICK mangoes and bananas from the neighbour?s trees as they give each other home-grown vegetables yes Tam "nowt here!" Tam if you ever find yourself in the land of "nowt!" I will take you to my bowling club where it is surrounded by sports fields filled with kids enjoying their various sports introduce you to lots of friends of mine whose ancestors were Scott's and Irish and we could partake of a little dram "that's nowt!" after two or five more that's " not nowt!," the leprechauns would be arguing with the tuchtuers about anything and nowt! Just like you Big Tam! Someone would get beat in the game of lawn bowls by a big score and on entering the clubhouse to the cheers of the lads and lassies! We all sit down to a lovely barbecue and then the presentation to the winner of the day and "and it's not usually me!" Is given a loud rendition of for he is a Jolly Goodfellow! " That IS NOT fantasizing" believe it or not Tenquid
Submitted by: Tenquid Australia 24/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
A relative in Glasgow sent me the Glasgow Millennium Calendar and on the front is the photo of two Gorbal boys Leslie Mason and George Davis the month of March has an inset of them standing in the same place 50 years on. I am trying to find out which street the picture was taken from as I think the woman and child in the background maybe my mother and myself, I was born at 121 Lawmoor Street Gorbals in 1946. I have now retired and starting to put together the family tree and memories of Glasgow, and any bit of information adds to the story. Our family emigrated to New Zealand in 1953. Best regards Norma Larkin ( nee McCabe)
Submitted by: Norma Larkin nee McCabe Auckland, New Zealand 23/05/10 Email: norma@edl.co.nz
Hello Doris the ugly duckling that turned into a beautiful princess, remembers I have your photo and I love trying to decipher all your posts I ask wee Betty to read them as my talking computer doesn't understand the gorbals Lingo! And you write it down perfectly so much so that you have football coaches wanting to visit you -- used to be the girls chasing the footballers? Things have changed a lot! I read his name and I thought! "I know him!" But no! a different person, just about to write -- "be careful!" -- Me telling you! The things you've done the places you have lived! The people you know! No what? I am still going to say " Be Careful!" Tenquid
Submitted by: Tenquid Australia 22/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi Rita, I'm like you I worked for the same firm till I was 60 retired, got bored, got a full time job in a supermarket for 10 years, retired at 70, they asked me if I'd do a Sunday for them and the odd day when they were stuck for staff. So it looks like retiring is out of the question. The manager said the oldies like us are hard working and more reliable than the young ones. I said being brought up in Glasgow made us hardy and we were brought up to be honest and reliable. My mum and dad were born and brought up in the Gorbals and I lived there till I was sixteen. I lived in Salisbury Street and went to Abbotsford and Strathbungo schools as did my mum. Keep up the good work Rita reminding us old Gorbalites of our heritage. Cathie xx
Submitted by: Cathie Blackpool, England 21/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I lived at 29 Hospital St. I think there was fish market next to us and a Dunlop garage across from the Clyde. I think there was a furniture shop on Thistle St., which came on to our back yard and across the street there was a sawmill. My uncle Bob Hayes swam across the Clyde for bet and the man he had a bet with stole his clothes and my uncle was arrested because he was naked. I remember swinging on the gas lamps, racing with the wooden bogies with the skates, being chased by the people from Thistle St., playing marbles in the backyard, putting nails under the trams to make little swords, going to search bins in the posh houses, and playing down by the Clyde, and chasing the ragman on his horse & cart and also going to Gorbals Primary.
Submitted by: Robin Hayes Manchester, England 21/05/10 Email: bombpipe@hotmail.co.uk
F.A.O. Mick Gallagher, I remember it only too well about the can of water, as my ol' man would tell you if he was still around ( god bless him), he happened to open the door one day after the wee buggers put a can against our door, only to have his best brogues swamped with water which absolutely stank! I I have to admit that I have done the same deed myself, so I reckon it's true what they say, what goes around, comes around, but that's what daft young buggers like us did in those days. What can I say?
Submitted by: Shameful Shamus Not Supplied 21/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Does anyone remember the minauge/manauge(spelling?) as a wee boy in Glesga in the 1950's my ma used to pay a few shillings every week towards this, but how long was this for and how did the (manauge) man get paid? Remember this man saying to my ma do you want to be paid early or late? Ach him he couldnae run a (manauge) was an old Glesga sayin! Can anyone fill me in with the info please. Wee Danny.
Submitted by: Danny Gill London, England 21/05/10 Email: gilldanny1@googlemail.com
I would appreciate help with information regarding Florence street clinic in the Gorbals. Was it called Florence Street Clinic in 1961-64? Thank you
Submitted by: Anne Bagan Glasgow, Scotland 15/05/10 Email: annbagan@yahoo.co.uk
Apologies Major - a genuine mistake. It has now been amended.
Really appreciate the kind words from yourself and many other contributers - cheers.
Submitted by: WEBMASTER 21/05/10
Webmaster, sorry to be an old stickler, but can you please amend (Street Pancras) to St. Pancras as I originally sent to you on my last posting as it makes the reader stop and try to make sense of the paragraph which is meant to sort of flow to the end of Morag's story.
P.S. I realise this was just an error and in no way detracts from the great job that you are doing - it is much appreciated, not only by myself but by all anecdoters. Thank you...the Major.
P.P.S. Thank you TQ for your kind words, and for Auld Biddy a large raspberry.
Submitted by: Major Marque Sussex, England 20/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
My family - Tommy, Agnes (a RC nun), Samuel, Geraldine, Anne and then me. Parents were Samuel and Agnes Bradley. We lived at 740 Rutherglen Road, above Bonners the chemist. Later, we lived at 39 Polmadie Road, (above Milford(?) the grocers). We all went to 'wee Bonnie's' first and later to 'big Bonnie's' (later renamed to John Bosco.) Just looking for anyone that remembers us and to share any memories of that area between 1965 - 1979, basically. Feel free to email me.
Submitted by: James Bradley Pennsylvania, USA 20/05/10 Email: scotslad60@live.com
To Jean Ritchie and all my Gorbals buddies. I know what you mean Jean. The fellow calling himself "Big Tam" and all the false names he is using is just stirring it up. Besides, my uncle once told me in the Gorbals that anyone who calls themselves "Big" was either a big coward, big bampot, or a big stirrer. The true people of the Gorbals have BIG hearts and no real Gorbals person would have the vanity to describe themelves as "big". As Joe Royal would say, "Big?... my arse!" All the best to the Gorbals mob all over he world who are big in their own right without having to boast about it. Sean.
Submitted by: Sean Mahoney Glasgow, Scotland 20/05/10 Email: sean@hotmail.co.uk
F.A.O. M. Farrell - When Abbotsford Place was being demolished in 1972, I moved to Block 2 Queen Elizabeth Square, and was there until 1981.
Submitted by: Rose Doyle Donegal, Ireland 20/05/10 Email: rosedoyle1@hotmail.com
There will be a big party soon in the Brazen Head Gorbals to celebrate the Irish contribution to the area - all are welcome! The man who says he has read the new book in the Brazen Head is talking baloney. Did he go to Saint Gabriels? Never heard of him! All the best to the regular contributers including Tenquid and the rest. Johnny.
P.S. The new webmaster is doing a fine job.
Submitted by: Jonny B. Glasgow, Scotland 20/05/10 Email: johnnyboy@hotmail.com
Hello Gorbals pals - nice to see all your stories and the comments from Boydy, aka Grumpy, aka Big Tam are hilarious. He says he has read the new "Gorbals Diehards" book but the author is still finishing it off and it does not go to the printer until the middle August! I know because my man Billy works for the printers! Anyway as in the old Gorbals, there is always somebody stirring it up - usually losers in life! All the best, Jean.
Submitted by: Jean Richie Glasgow, Scotland 20/05/10 Email: jeanritchie@yahoo.co.uk
After forty six years over in the States, I still have my old Glasgow accent but you do have to take the rough edges off it a little bit to be understood. I was very homesick when I first got here. I wanted to take the next plane home. It took me about ten years before I finally got rid of the homesick feeling. Don't get me wrong, I will always love where my roots are. You never forget that. One of these day,s I will get up the courage to get on a plane and visit the Gorbals one last time.
Submitted by: Margaret Lindsa San Diego, USA 20/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To Mr. Boyd - I was reading about the book you read. Well I dont know the story, but if the book is anything like the last one which was absolute garbage then I won't be buying it. This guy's only after a fast buck on the Gorbals reputation - give us a genuine story which is factual. Who wants sloppy stuff? the Majors articles are more interesting....thats a fact. Iain
Submitted by: Iain Cleary Glasgow, Scotland 19/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Webmaster - I could certainly tell the difference when you started correcting grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Does anyone remember this song?
A house to let, apply within, A woman put out for drinking gin, Gin, you know is a very bad thing.
I seem to remember my mother putting a hot poker through a rubber ball, then attaching a length of string through the hole, and we played a game hitting the ball against a wall. I'm not sure if this song was involved in the game.
Submitted by: Joan USA 19/05/10 Email: artandjoan@att.net
I was born and brought up in Crown Street near Thompson's furniture shop. I used to go to Lockie's to buy toys and my mother shopped at Murray's Newsagents, the Shannie, and Coyle's fruit shop in Rutherglen Road. We also went to Gall's for our knitwear. Later in the 1960's, I used to go to the Clelland Bar for a great night out.....good times! I recognise many names on the site but some so called Gorbals regulars I have never heard of - are you sure you are from the area? Also the people hiding their real names and slagging other contributers off is a cowardly thing to do - and no Gorbals person I grew up with would use such yellow belly tactics! It's nice to be nice and if you can't say something nice about the Gorbals people go away and annoy somebody else! Nutters are everywhere and we don't need them - or their nasty made up anecdotes - on this wonderful site. Jean
Submitted by: Jean Ritchie Glasgow, Scotland 19/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi, I'm a Toryglen boy but went to John Bosco from '84 till '88. Anyone out there go at the same time?
Submitted by: John Donegal, Ireland 19/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hello everyone - the last batch of letters are crackers....made ma day and it wis a rainy wan. Like reading wee short stories - Artie, we were trying to figure oot whit levys wis that, and please tell Mary ah stull hiv a photo o her at ma ha ha ma engagement party to Ackie boy. When ah look at it, am afronted - ugh the herr is cut to the napper and a bliddy fringe and as fur the froak ah hid oan, it wis too wide at the neck so ah clipped it wi two earing clipoan wans. Think ah started a fashion (not). Oh and coach, ah wull get back ti yi. Ah will tell you aboot the last wan we hid - a Irish Fenian brought up in Germiston and awe the weans loved him. Wan o the hubbies relatives. TQ, got yir auld dander up didn't it? Got you oot o semi retirement ya b** - bet you wur in stiches printing everything. So everyone, ur we awe pals again. Stay healthy, DAM.
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 19/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I was with some old Gorbals friends and we were talking about the woman who many years ago took children from the street to her house and threw them out of the window. There has been so many variations of this story - does anybody out there know the real story, and did it happen in Roseberry Street. Thank you Agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: agnesherrity@hotmail.co.uk
Hi TQ - I give in.... I am from Australia and you have me shaking in my little clogs (sorry, shoes) - how on earth did you manage to find my name through my email address? WEBMASTER - how is this possible?
Submitted by: Auld Biddy Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Sorry to hear that Scobie and Billy Shankland have passed on. Remember them both well from when I was younger and can still picture them both. Regards to both families.
Submitted by: Wee Eck Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: eck@btinternet.com
Tenquid - Well done I loved your response. This site is getting as good as that old soap Peyton Place ha ha. I have seen you take a lot of stick throughout the years but you keep bouncing back with that old Gorbals spirit. People can say what they like eh, sticks an' stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me. When I went to Bogie, Mr McNair would often say that, do you remember him? Keep fighting mate - your tops with me, Billy.
Submitted by: Billy Malcom Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To enlighten some folk, especially Mick B. who is also Jen Ritchie - both the same person. I read the book in the Brazen Head pub in Glasgow only last week. It may not be officially on sale until September to the general public, hence the warning from me. Colin you know fine well I have read it - it's only because I did not rate it that we have these imaginary people writing in. Anyway - anyone wanting confirmation, phone up the BH - there's a few other punters had a sneak read as well as me, after all Colin, it's your office....nothing to be ashamed of. It was not personal, just a true dislike for the book. Let's all start being honest, now that the truth has come out - sorry if I offended you. Boydy.
Webmaster, sorry you were not told about my read in more detail - my apologies.
Submitted by: Billy Boyd Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: kidboyd067@aol.com
Hi Ya Shamus. I had completely forgotten those games you mentioned. Do you remember the game we played when we filled an empty tin can full of water we got from a big puddle in the backyard and leaned (canted) it against someone's door and then knocked on the door and the can would spill into their lobby? Cheers Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com
I was one of the wee buggers that used to tie peoples doors together, bang on the door and run like hell. Also played kick the can. Terry Lenny - when I think of the places I lived in Glasgow, I only see it in black and white - I'm sure there is a good reason for that but I don't know what it is. Herself the Elf Emily.
Submitted by: Emily Biros [Eaglesham] California, USA 18/05/10 Email: glasgowlassie@hotmail.com
Webmaster, you are the best yet as you actually edit all the stuff going in. I see some people fancy themselves as writers to overtake the site but mostly they write a load of incoherent nonsense, badly written, which no real publisher would touch with a bargepole. In fact, if writing was a crime, they would be found not guilty!
I also notice that many contributers - making bold and sometimes offensive comments - hide behind false names - that's like hiding behind your auld maw's skirt - a cowardly act. If you are up front and give your real name and e-mail address and background it would be a help. There are certain annoying people - one constantly calling himself "Big" - that seems a wee bit childish - like a 12 year old writing!
Keep up the good work webmaster - it's a hard job and somebody has got to do it! Best wishes, Jean... and to all those people who give their real names, awrabest!
Submitted by: Jean Ritchie Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: jeanritchie@yahoo.co.uk
F.A.O. Mick Gallagher - been there, done that and much more, "Kick door run fast" was one of the (if it's fair to call it) games we played along with "tie the doors" & "tick tack". If you don't know what these are I'll explain. "Tick tack" was only done at night, you take a bobbin of dark cotton thread, attach a safety pin to the end and, at about 8 to 10 inches away from the pin, you attach a dark button. Your mate would then take the bobbin and unwind it until he got to a decent hiding place behind a wall or a midgey. He would then unwind the thread while you headed towards the low down window and stuck the pin in the horizontal bar on the middle part of the window frame, right in the putty. You then joined your mate in the hideout and as you tugged on the thread the button would rap against the glass pane. After a couple of minutes of this someone would always pull apart the curtains and as the curtains opened you would pull on the thread and hold the button away from the glass, and because it was dark outside 95% of the time they would never see the button. They would then close the curtains and you would do the same thing again. The more they opened the curtains, the more you and your mates would be killing yourself laughing.
"Tie the doors" as you know a lot of the flats in the tenements were side by side in the corner of the landing. You would take a piece of string and tie the two door handles together, leaving just enough slack to allow one of the doors to open a couple of inches. Once tied, you then rapped on both doors and stood back just enough for you to see both doors. One door would open to the shouts of "Who's hoddin this door? Let go ya wee b*****d" but the best laugh is when both doors are trying to open and the neighbours are pulling thedoors back and forward and slamming each other?s doors. We were right wee buggers in them days to my everlasting shame - Shamus
Submitted by: Shameful Shamus Terra Del Fuego 18/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. James Fletcher - I was sorry to hear about Billy Shankland's demise. I knew him when I was in my teens and his sisters Nancy and Pat. Freddie Yule - another one gone. I hope there's a Gorbals were you are Billy. R.I.P. Billy.
Submitted by: Pat Holland London, England 18/05/10 Email: patlyonsholland@hotmail.co.uk
Mr Boyd.....what you on? The book "Gorbals Diehards" isn't even out yet! If it's as good as "The Real Gorbals Story" it should go to the the top of the charts. You should be backing Gorbals people up instead of making up false anecdotes! Johnny.
Submitted by: Johnny B Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: johnnyb@hotmail.com
Webmaster - you are doing a great job but I see there are still some nutters contributing. One guy says he even bought the new Gorbals Diehards book - but it hasn't even been published yet and is not out until Sep 2! Ha Ha! some people. There's mare oot than there's in!
Submitted by: Jen Ritchie Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: jenritchie@yahoo.co.uk
To Cathie from Blackpool - aye the version I remember - the dirty so and so left you wi the weans own yer knee!! When the Women's Tuesday group meet I've noticed that the words to the songs/poems change quite a bit depending on the area of Glasgow they lived. Some have more verses/different verses from the ones I was brought up with. And from what I was reading on the internet it would seem that further changes occur in towns and cities nearby. Memory too is weird as has often been quoted on this site. Some nights I don't sleep well and I try to count how many names of the folk in primary school I remember or the names of the folk who lived up the same close. Some nights I really surprise myself by how much I remember of days long gone. Other days I cannie remember where I put the tin opener. I am convinced this handy wee gadget hides from me. Only joking. Don't worry about the age/memory thing Cathie - I am 67 and still work a few hours and didn't retire from full time work till last December. Rita X
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
The Gorbals is not the same now so many outsiders have moved in. But I am thankful I remember the old and all the people who touched my life as a child. Growing up in the Gorbals was a wonderful time for me. I moved away from the Gorbals but always had contact as my mum & dad lived there till they died. I came back to the Gorbals about 11 years ago, but am soon to move away again and I am not sorry to do so. Will always keep the old in my heart. Does anyone remember Bucking Street School?
Submitted by: Marie Kelly Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: may51@hotmail.co.uk
WEBMASTER - well stated! Personally can't be bothered with the long winded nonsense! Short, sweet or sour and to the point is best! Auld Biddy (who is not a soor ploom but a very happy lady)!
Submitted by: Auld Biddy England 18/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I want to find out about old friends and tell my stories of growing up in the Gorbals.
Submitted by: Marie Kelly Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: may51@hotmail.co.uk
To Cathie in Blackpool and Margaret Bradley. Haw Cathie, I really, really enjoyed the rhymes - they will fit the skipping the morra with the women's group. Only one of them is older than me, the rest are around mid fifties. I've had a hip replacement so, as you can imagine, there's no a lotta skipping goes on. A couple of skips with everybody joining in then puffin and panting being out of breath or laughing till ye burst. Thanks re. advice on the peerie business. I managed to get a whip and peerie in the Sentry Box toy shop on Saturday. Sheer bliss - I kin whip ma peerie tomorrow till the coos come hame. That's if I remember how to do it!! Rita X
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 18/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your comments.
I have been doing the role of webmaster for the GorbalsLive site since the start of this year and, believe me, some of the spelling and grammar in the e-mails I receive defies belief. I cannot comment on the previous webmaster's corrections but I do, however, try and keep the style as close to the authors original as I can. Each individual has their own unique way of writing after all, and this is the reason so many people enjoy the site.
I am a consultant for the company that maintains the website. Each anecdote has to be manually input after being proof read and corrected to the best of my ability. The site is run as a favour to the community - there is absolutely nothing in it for this company and the time I can devote to the role of webmaster is limited due to my other commitments. In recent months, the anecdotes have been getting longer and longer, and the longer the message, the longer it takes to input. The longer it takes to input, the longer it takes for the messages to get posted. As much as I enjoy the scrolls of Major Marque et al, they are detracting from the purpose of the site - it is not a writers forum after all - and a page and a half of typed script is just too excessive. This is not to say that these contributers should stop - far from it - but I ask that you please consider the work involved and keep the posts to a manageable level.
Again, thank you for your continued support.
WEBMASTER
Submitted by: WEBMASTER 18/05/10
WEBMASTER - I think you do a great job with this site. However, with all due respect, I find it very strange that you request shorter anecdotes because you have to proof read and correct spelling and grammar! I've been reading this site for years and quite honestly find it very difficult to believe that spelling and grammar corrections have ever been made. If they have, then there has been a huge amount missed! I enjoy reading EVERYONE's comments but I must say I look forward to the recent addition of Major Marque's amusing stories. As I said, I think you do a great job with the site but can't believe your timing on the request to shorten anecdotes - hen you look at the length of some left by other site devotees in the past.
Submitted by: Margaret Bradley california, USA 17/05/10 Email: maggies@onemain.com
Did any of you ever play a favourite game of mine, "Kick Door Run Fast?" The rules were simple. You kicked someones door who lived low down, a bit loudly two or three times and from the mouth of the close you would shout, "It Was Me. It Was Me." Then you ran like the clappers. Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow, Scotland 17/05/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com
311 Thistle - thank you for your kind words but I'm not really an expert on the Gorbals! Knowledgeable yes...expert no! And if I misspelled a word, I am so sorry - boo-hoo! I will just have to enlarge the words for your benefit so as I can see them and correct same - would that be okay? Sure you didn't come from 911 and trying to piece yourself together again! In your hurry to humiliate peoples' spelling, Glasgow is not spelt GKasgow (3/05/10) and your a teacher too? "Poor kids!" Whatever the reason you became a teacher, I don't think you should blame it on the RAF! Before the stupidity goes much further, I would like to point out that I'm not your father, not your uncle and not your relation. I didn't leave you hungry or unhappy or destitute. If you've been in the Navy, I would think somebody caught you looking for the Golden Rivet! But No! Maybe you're head got jammed by the cockpit viper! Now if you and Auld Biddy are in cahoots (she's from Sydney in spite of claiming England as home) and you I know are from Glasgow (GKasgow threw me off your Trail), I sincerely thank you because it's the likes of you both and a couple of others who keep me alive and fighting. Such as my wife - I met in Wilson's Jiving Club 55 years ago, my two sons and my granddaughter. I can't do much except sit at my computer and listened to many different websites and also do my complaining to governments and social workers and banks for the problems in the world! You're posts give me some new scope for writing on the Gorbals more typical of arguments, I'm sorry to say, but such is life! And my username and the only name I use is "Tenquid!" "Believe it or not!"
Submitted by: Tenquid Australia 17/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Re. 311 Thistle Street and wee McGregor - my husband taught my grandchildren this when they were about 3 years of age - they're now 23 and 21 but still remember all of Grandads little songs. It goes like this - wee McGregor he is like a neeger he paints his face red, white and blue. He wears a tammy to please his mammy. Wee McGregor toodle oodle loo. Well that was his version but when they repeated it at the nursery in England no one knew what it meant. Glad to hear someone else knows it. Another one was Mrs Murphy at the pawn shop door. A bundle in her arms and a baby on the floor.S he asked for five but she only got four. Auld Mrs Murphy at the pawn shop door. Christina.
Submitted by: Christina Philbin London, England 16/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Doris (USA) - I noticed you mentioning the Wisemans and Levys. Mary Wiseman is still living - my cousin Mary Currie (Commercial Road) meets her ocassionally but I think Genna died. Also the Levys - Netty, Jessie and their brothers are all living but their parents are both dead. Some of them stay up here in Castlemilk - bump into Netty a lot. Amelia.
Submitted by: Amelia McKinlay nee Welsh Glasgow, Scotland 16/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Sorry to hear about Scobie and Billy Shankland. I also heard recently about the deaths of Dave McGill, Brian Fullerton and several others. My father used to say, the older you get, the longer it takes to walk around the graveyard. Re. Cindy looking for the Harley family - I know that Rosemary went on to become a doctor but not sure where she ended up practising. Re. St. Francis teachers - there were Miss Callus and Mr Leahy (I felt awfully sorry for him as I am sure teaching us lot was not on his mind when he left teacher training college). I also have a distant memory of the doctors being in Crown Street and no appointment was necessary. Re. Hi Hi Bar (took me years to stop calling it the HiFi) - my dad got the bar top from there and made a fireplace surround from it. It was made of really beautiful wood. Wee Gus, a pal of Billy Deacon - I think that was his name - who sold fruit and veg from a barrow helped bring it along in a wheel barrow.
Submitted by: Auld Soosider Llanfair, Wales 16/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Auld Biddy - the first member of your own club you see your real name is removed and you come from Sydney, Australia. What's all this crap about England? Once you have declared your e-mail address you are quite easy to find. Everytime I've written something, you're the first to jump in and condemn me. You are not one of the girls from Wilson's Jiving Club who absolutely adored me with my blonde hair....and permed at that! "Jealous!" Don't be - you've probably got a nice husband who has to put up with your whining and whingeing and that's what you do for a hobby. And as for your other fictitious nom de plume 311, that 9/11 was you self imploding and I saw 311 Thistle's name - Dominic Boyle saying he's been on here for years! He has never been on this site and his e-mail address is fictitious too! You may have put the Major off writing his stories and he was entertaining to lots of people! Having a go at me only keeps me "Alive!" When I write on here, you cannot take away my sense of freedom. Some religions and world governments try to keep the working class under the thumb and not allow them to read or write. "A failure!" And do you think a little Bullamakanka like you will put me off what I like doing? No way!! The dumber of the two of yourselves going on about spelling. This Is Not a Dictionary - grow up! And while you're at it, you should read up the meaning of Auld - I don't think they would like to use it again so why don't you with your schizophrenic cronies stop asking the webmaster to ban people from the Gorbals site! Applaud people who write the facts about the Gorbals and if you don't like to use Australia as your address, go to New Zealand because I'm sure the people of Glasgow don't want you whingers back! You two-dimensional aliens want to fight? Meet me at the Glasgow Green at high noon on the last week of the year 1701. I like to fight babies Dominic, specially when I've got the cricket bat. Away and byle yer heed. Tenquid.
Submitted by: Tenquid Australia 15/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Doris McIntyre - I have just come back from San Diego. I was there for 12 weeks working and I tell you, no one could understand my Glasgow accent. Question is, do you still have your accent? It appears you do because all your letters are in slang which makes it extraordinary to me. Living in the States all these years, how do you do it? I go back over in July, I am a football coach and work on the school routes. Perhaps you might invite me in to see you, Great to talk to old Gorbals woman. Cheers, Sam.
Submitted by: Sam Hallidice Glasgow, Scotland 15/05/10 Email: Maradonna10@btinternet.co.uk
To all readers - just bought the worst book of my life, "Gorbals Diehards" - what a load of crap. I was born in Kidston Street and during the 50s to the 70s, I can't remember seeing or even hearing of the Gorbals folk behaving like this. Give me "No Mean City" anyday - if anyone out there needs lavy paper you can have it for free. Just let me know before I use it myself. Cheers Boydy.
(The book "Gorbals Diehards" is not released until September 2010 - must have the wrong title. WEBMASTER)
Submitted by: Billy Boyd Glasgow, Scotland 15/05/10 Email: kidboyd067@aol.com
Colin McFarlane's new book "The Incredible Gorbals Diehards" is due out on September 2nd. Great to see my big schoolmate doing so well. Brilliant writer, great memory. Was part of some of the things he has written about. Good luck with the next one Colin. I heard that the film is in pre-production and I will certainly be on the front row when it comes out. Missed what was written in the Daily Mail about it but will maybe backtrack it on the net. Speak to you later Colin.
Submitted by: Wee Eck Glasgow, Scotland 15/05/10 Email: J.John@btinternet.com
To Margaret Bradley and Cathie in Blackpool - thanks for your encouragement. Success! Chuffed to bits. The women's group will just luv it when I turn up next Tuesday. I think you may have guessed, I managed to get the very last whip and peerie from the old fashioned toy shop, the Sentry box in Great George Street off Byres Road. It cost £4.50 complete with instructions, and a pack of coloured chalk sticks to make the bulls eye. Only difference is that the whip has a leather thong instead of the string that I remember. The idea is that you wind this around the widden peerie, pull this off quickly then the peerie starts spinning you keep whipping it to keep it spinning. It's then that you get the different colours amalgamating into different rainbow hues. That's the theory, I haven't put it into practise yet. I managed to trace the Big Top shop too - its off Charing Cross. I am a bit wary of buying anything on line but for anybody who has the urge to spin their very own peerie, Google it, like I was advised and you can satisfy your urge. A bit of advice, do this in secret. Suggest you might even consider shutting the blinds or curtains. I wouldn't advise taking the chance of doing it outdoors unless you adopt a disguse. Be warned. Under no circumstances tell the weans, the grandweans or the great grandweans. They are sure to call the men in white coats and before you know where you are, they'll hiv ye cairted off to the funny farm fur auld peerie spinners. Tee hee hee! P.S. Ten Quid, please please don't stay away - I have followed your postings for years and have thourghly enjoyed them. Like me, you have a creative imagination and like spinning a yarn. Nothing wrong in that. Nothing at all. Rita x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 15/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Does anyone remember the old church at hospital Street/Cathcart Road the night it burnt down??
Submitted by: John Kilkenny, Ireland 15/05/10 Email: nostra@live.ie
As a Gorbals boy who has enjoyed this forum for years, I have a music/song question for all you experts. I remember hearing a song and I think the title was "THEY WHERE ALL SCOTSMAN" - it was a song about the army regiment and all the soldiers where all colour's but they where all Scotsmen. It was a very funny song....can anybody help?
Submitted by: John Easton Welwyn Garden City, Wales 14/05/10 Email: johneaston1@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks Fleckie for your kind words about my brother Scobie - you're a star.
Submitted by: James Coburn Glasgow, Scotland 15/05/10 Email: jamescoburn@yahoo.co.uk
Here we go again - looks like the bickering has started again and guess what, TQ is again at the centre of it all. Aall I say is folk we all know him - he likes fantasying but lets get off his back please, he did stay in the Gorbals and probably still lives in the past. he misses real folk cause where he is living, there's nowt but he has committed no crime. I like reading his letters - yes some are far fetched but I still like them, so lets have a bit of peace and harmony out there please. Keep up the good work TQ - all the best, Big Tam.
Submitted by: Tam Craig Glasgow, Scotland 14/05/10 Email: tamcraig11@hotmail.com
I am trying to find any information on my dad, Tommy Rutherford. He was born in 1939, he lived at 11 Carmichael Street in Glasgow. My dad had 2 brothers, Donny & Jimmy and 2 sisters, Ena & Margaret. His dad was Thomas Reid Rutherford, his mum was Elizabeth (maiden name Johnson). My grandad was a Railway Carter. My dad moved down to Corby in the late fifties. His uncle and auntie were Jack & Jenny Carson.
Submitted by: Annmarie Northamptonshire, England 14/05/10 Email: annmarie1971@ntlworld.com
311 - you come on this site and try and criticise TQ. Hinds/Haynes - whats the difference? It was years ago. You can't remember wee McGregor and I can't remember half the street names, pub names and a lot of other things. I've noticed it's the same with a lot of people here. You come on with yourself importance and start dictating to us your ideas - we have a webmaster who does that and does it well. It seems you have an "I'm a school teacher so I know it all" attitude since you've came on - it's been boring posts off you. If you don't like it, go elsewhere and as for your number one fan, Auld Biddy, her posts are crap and we put up with her and don't slate her. Then there's you and the other critics who think TQ is lying about his illness. I just don't get you kind of people and as I said before, Jerry forgot to mention when he slated Glasgow about all the sniping, bitterness and jealousy. Live and let live.
Submitted by: Anonymous Brighton, England 14/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To Keek Marque - I have heard we are related - but judging from your last post, you are just not on the same planet. Yep, everyone is entitled to their opinion but come oan, gie us a break. People have been savaging regular posters who do no harm at all - they come on for a blether. Quite, quite unneccessary as Pater would say. So out of the blue yonder we have the real Gorbals Jim with a disciple or two to back him up! So here is the deal. We have to listen to them and their followers TRUTH and rubbish one of our own who has been a great contributor to this website for donkies. P.S. I am not 10 Quid nor am a relative or friend in the sense I know him. I have though enjoyed his various writings for years. Jist all you that think they kin do it better- gonnie awe stop moaning and leave people to do there own thing. Feel much better since I got that off my chest.
Submitted by: Luv Marque Glasgow, Scotland 14/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Rita, I've just woken up at 3 o'clock this morning and realised that he didn't take me to Australia with three bonny babies on my knee, he ran away and left me with three bonny bairns on my knee i ee i ee. I'm going mad, getting old or both. (I'm 71) Cathie xx
Submitted by: cathie Blackpool, England 14/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. 311 Thistle - I've made my little rant, but let's move on. I am glad to know that I am not the only person whose memory of the Gorbals is only, and I mean only, of black & white images. I don't know if that is because I have only good memories of my childhood. I was born in Florence Street in 1947 and went to St. Francis (52 to 59) and then to Holyrood and we eventually moved in 1964 to Ibrox. The strange thing is, all my memories after our move are in colour. Believe me, this not an aberration this is fact....life is strange.....TL
P.S. It might be that every photograph that I've seen of the "Old Gorbals" have been in black & white and have been suppressing my obvious colour memories. Anybody out there got any similar thoughts?
Submitted by: Terry Lennie Luton, England 14/05/10 Email: terry@tlennie.freeserve.co.uk
Could all contributers PLEASE KEEP ANECDOTE SIZE TO A MINIMUM. Each entry has to be proof read, the spelling and grammar corrected, and the personal details entered manually into the site. As interesting as the stories may be, it is only meant to be an anecdote. Many thanks - WEBMASTER.
Submitted WEBMASTER 13/05/10
We turned left into Aitkenhead Road, and my eye was immediately caught by the long grey tenement building to our left tapering off into the distance. Eventually the tenement ended and was replaced by a tall brick wall which I later found out was the perimeter of the “Locomotive Works”. The wall cranked to the right, and as we swept around the bend, Fergie said,” “sur, thurs a park jist up the road at Bennan Square, an” another park it the coarna a Hickman Street an” Govanhull Street”...”You seem to be familiar with this area too, Fergie, I replied”, he said, “ “at”s rite sur, ye see, a use ti winch a lassie up Hickman Street afore ah went intae the army”. “Good show, I replied” (not having a bally clue what he was talking about).....( later, as I got more familiar with the local dialect, I realised that what Fergie was saying, was, that he was courting a young lady) “Courting a young lady” what a lovely civilized phrase. It conjures up the vision of a “well tailored young suitor, arm in arm with his neatly dressed young lady, parasol in hand, strolling along the promenade at Brighton”.....Whereas “a use ti winch a lassie up Hickman Street” conjures up the vision of a 25 stone woman being block and tackled up the road. (Enough of these strange thoughts) We arrived at Bennan Sq., which was a long and wide rectangular green with houses on all sides, the iron railings that had once enclosed the green had long since been removed for the war effort, so access for the gun would not be a problem. “This is it Fergie!” I exclaimed, “this will be No. 4 gun”s location. Time is of the essence! We have yet to get supplies, search lights and the gun crews, so it”s decision time”. I ruled out the other green for No. 3 gun because of its close proximity to Bennan Sq. We drove on around the area and eventually headed north up Cathcart Rd, and as we approached the junction of Larkfield Street I asked Fergie to stop... As I got out of the car and looked around this rather wide junction, I could see the bell tower of the Greek Thomson church about a half a mile away, over the railway yards. I made the decision, and wrote in my notebook, No. 3 GP (Gun Position) “ Larkfield Street / Cathcart Road “ No. 2 GP “ The Gushet “ No. 1 GP “ Sandyfaulds Street / Caledonia Road....As I opened the door of the car and got in, Fergie said, “is that us sur” iv yeh made up yer mind”“ “Thats us Fergie, let”s go”.....”de yeh want a cup a tea roon it ma maw”s, sur”“....”oh all right” I said, and we quickly moved off.....Morag was as hospitable as ever, and as we sipped our tea she regaled me with tales of her “two wee boys, Sinbad and Tommy” as she called them. As the time wore on, Fergie excused himself and said, “am jist gon ti the cludgie fur a pony” . Fergie having left the room, Morag confided in me... “ye”ll huvty furgive Tommy if e” looks a wee bit doon sumtimes, yeh see, “es never goatin or “es Da”s death”. “Well am sayin” that, but it”s no sae much “is death, as the circumstances aroon “is death”. “yeh see “es da loved “es joab oan the railway, an e”always worked the nightshift”. “Oan the night ae e”s death, he knew that the 12:30am goods train always stoaped rite outside “es signal boax for at least 5 minnits, an that gave im time ti dae whit he hid planned”. “He climed doon oot i the signal boax wi a length a rope in “es hon, climbed oan the roof i the goods train an” jist managed ti tie the rope oan ti the end i wan i the signals. He then tied the other end roon “is neck an jist stood there ti the train pult away”... “yeh see “es mind must a been in a rite mess!, cos he didny realise that e” hid tied imsell ti wan i they new fangled ottamatic signals, an fur the next oor eh wus bobbin up an doon like a yoyo afore the Glesga” tae Londin mail train floo past an scooped im up an” delivered im tae St. Pancras Station at 6 in the moarnin minus “es napper”, “whit a kerryoan!”. With that rather gruesome scene still in my mind , I think I will sign off.......Laters.......The Major.
Submitted by: Major Marque Sussex, England 13/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Rita, a couple more rhymes. Archiebald bald bald, the King of the Jews Jews Jews, bought his wife wife wife a pair of shoes shoes shoes, when the shoes shoes shoes began to wear wear wear, Archibald bald bald began to swear swear swear, when the swear swear swear began to stop stop stop , archibald bald bald bald he bought a shop shop shop, when the shop shop shop began to sell sell sell, archibald bald bald bald he bought a bell bell bell, when the bell bell bell began to ring ring ring, Archibald bald bald began to sing sing sing, doh ray me fah soh lah tee doh, who stole my wife I do not know.
The other one is: I've a loddy in America I've a loddy in Dundee i ee i ee , I've a loddy in Australia and he's coming home to marry me i ee i ee first he took me to America then he took me to Dundee i ee i ee then he left me in Australia with three bonny babies on my knee i ee i ee. I think that's how it goes. A bit long winded Rita but since you mentioned about the old rhymes, I can't get them out of my head. I find myself singing them all the time. Cathie xx
Submitted by: Cathie Blackpool, England 13/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi - my name is Michelle Hood and my dad is turning 60 on June 14th. He was born in Norfolk Street and grew up in the Gorbals from 1950 onwards. His name is James Hood and he was known as Jaz or Jimmy. Mother Elizabeth Duffy and father also James Hood. I am trying to get together some kind of family tree or any info would be great old friends etc. Hope someone can help - many many thanks!
Submitted by: Michelle Hood Somerset, England 13/05/10 Email: mich6_9@hotmail.com
From the 311 Thistle Appreciation First Member!!! This is just sooooo hilarious and I haven't had such a laugh in all my years! Ten Quid, aka TQ, aka Jim, aka whatever seems to have had his wings clipped - Mr, aka, Major, aka Keek Marque is now trying to catch up with the notoriety!!!! The whole thing is just so worth logging into the Anecdotes site everynight! Better than television, and no licence to pay!! Go on 311 Thistle - go on my lad!! Auld Biddy......P.S. Can anyone explain how 311 Thistle becomes 911 Thistle? Am I missing out on something? Come on all you 311 Thistle Supporters!
Submitted by: Auld Biddy England 13/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Doesn't anyone remember the Harley family from the Gorbals? I'm trying to locate Tommy Harley who is 46 years of age now.
Submitted by: Satellite Cindy England 13/05/10 Email: satellitecindy@hotmail.co.uk
Hey Auld Biddy - who would want to be in a club wi' the likes o' you and that other sour ploom - in my opinion your name suits you. And as for that other person who takes pleasure in correcting any wee mistakes about remembering street names, am lucky ah remember ma ain at times!! Geez, so stop all this nit picking - life is to short and if you don't like the letters well then don't bliddy read them. There is no slight in any of TQ's letters and a lot of people like his comments - never see him put any one down. So what if he is sharing his life , ha ha if I had to put mine into letters, man, nobody would would understand the half of it and why should you it is my stories and we have all lived it our own and different fashions. Seems to me that should be enough just to compare each others lifestyles. Instead of when some one puts in a wee story about their hooses and swimming pools, cars and what not, I am always proud of everyones achievements and how well they have all done. Makes me proud of each and everyone of them at what they have done starting with nothing. So let's enjoy our wee page....the last one on the record got so trashed and I for one had some bliddy terrrible things wrote in about me by people who i have never seen aw or heard or know anything about, and don't want to. So TQ and everyone else, don't stop as we enjoy what you have to say wether we agree with it or not. Everyone have a great life as it is just too short to be slagging anyone - get on with it. DAM
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 13/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Jean Ritchie and Gorbals pals - just spotted this in the book section of the Times about the new book "The Gorbals Diehards" - out September 2nd. Enid Blyton famously wrote about the Famous Five - the wholesome kids who were always up to some adventure or other - but during the 1960s Glasgow boy Colin MacFarlane had his own gang: the Incredible Gorbals Diehards. These were young boys trying to survive in one of the world's toughest areas, the infamous slums of Glasgow. During the gang's daily adventures, they came across a plethora of undesirable characters, including foul-mouthed drunks, thieves, razor-flicking gang members, con men, fly men and street brawlers. Through it all, MacFarlane and his band of brothers retained their sense of humour while roaming the filthy, stench-ridden Gorbals backstreets. The members of the gang endured considerable deprivation and witnessed many scenes that gave them an undiluted insight into adult life. In the third volume of his acclaimed memoirs, bestselling author Colin MacFarlane reveals what it was like to grow up on the streets in the Gorbals during this period. Be prepared to be shocked and entertained at the adventures of the Gorbals Diehards.
Submitted by: Cathie Rankin Ayr, Scotland 13/05/10 Email: c.rankin@yahoo.co.uk
Hiya Margaret Bradley - thanks a million. Don't know why I didn't think to Google "Whip and Peerie". I was talking to a few folk after a funeral I was at recently about my quest for a whip and peerie as you do.....it just seemed to me to be a wee bit of a respite from the sadness of the occasion. Did the trick it did. Seemed to have lots of fans. I think a new whip and peerie appreciation society might have been formed. Rx
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 13/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
311 Thistle has certainly started a following - Let's have a "311 Thistle Appreciation Society" - I'm the first member!
Submitted by: Auld Biddy England 13/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
FAO RITA MOFFAT - I Googled "whip and peerie" and found a site that you can order online - cost is £4.04. Site location is: www.thebigtoponline.com/whip-and-top-p2395. They may or may not have them immediately available but at least it's a starting point for you. Good luck. This toy brings back so many memories for me growing up in Lawmoor Street in the 50s.
Submitted by: Margaret Bradley California, USA 12/05/10 Email: maggies@onemain.com
Francis O'Haren, I'm right with you on your comments to 311 Thistle - the guy's right out of order with the "am no talkin' tae you anymore, cos you've done everything" type of childish gibberish that he wrote about TQ. He's obviously never grown up. 311 Thistle - am gonny have to call you "911 Thistle" from now on, as you have committed correspondent suicide amongst TQ's personal friends on the Anecdotes and the people who only know him from his postings and who like to read them as I do. By all means challenge and constructively criticise TQ's comments, but talk to the man as an equal and don't just throw a "toys out of the pram tantrum" like you have just done.
Submitted by: Terry Lennie Luton, England 12/05/10 Email: terry@tlennie.freeserve.co.uk
I don't know who 311 Thistle is, but firmly believe that he/she is entitled to his/her opinion and welcome his/her posts! A variety of opinions creates healthy debate - why can't people be more accepting of that instead of being "haters"?
Submitted by: Keek Marque Glasgow, Scotland 12/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Gorbals pals - just read that a smashing new book about the Gorbals kids is coming out on September 2nd, 2010. It's called "The Incredible Gorbals Diehards" - Mainstream Publishing - about five young boys growing up in the 1960s. It's Colin Macfarlane's follow up to the successful "Real Gorbals Story" - you can Google it and you'll see it has a brilliant front cover. The film of the original book is still in pre-preduction development according to the Daily Mail. Jean
Submitted by: Jean Ritchie Glasgow, Scotland 12/05/10 Email: jean@yahoo.com
Getting back to what this site was intended for: does anyone out there remember any of the teachers at St Francis primary school when I attended school (circa 1960 - 1970)? I can remember "Big Jim" McCusker; Miss Moffat; the glamorous Miss Bowie and I seem to recall a Mr Hutcheson, who had the ultimate comb-over with his hair - I think he used to keep it glued to his head with his wife's hair lacquer but when there was any wind it used to lift up in one piece, like an aircraft flap. "Big Jim" was a particularly inspirational teacher and I can still remember him reading extracts from his own stash of books and had us in thrall. One in particular I think was "Wee McGregor" (I have Googled this in vain; so it may be the wrong title) about a mischievous Scots lad.
"Big Jim" would often bring his guitar in and sing and play us some great folk songs - without a doubt the most unforgettable teacher I ever had. It may be the reason why I am now a teacher after an eventful 27 years in the RAF. I lived at the top of Thistle Street directly across from the John B. Hinds potato merchants building (not "Haynes" as TQ stated, funny how such a Gorbals expert would get that wrong!) and had the happiest of upbringings surrounded by my brothers, sisters, aunties and uncles all living within 20 minutes walk from each other and without two ha'pennies to scratch our ar**s on. Another curious phenomenon and I wonder if it's just me: I only seem to be able to recall the Gorbals in stark black and white images. I don't know if that is just a personal quirk or just the reality of a soot covered, smoggy Glasgow?
Submitted by: 311 Thistle Glasgow, Scotland 12/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I had to laugh out loud at the 'Francis O'Haren' comments (12/05 10). Hmm.....let's see. Never seen any other posts from 'Francis', remarkably similar writing to TQ, lives in South Africa but 'like a brother' to TQ in Australia!! 'C'moot, C'moot wherever you are TQ - you're no het' as a 'real' Gorbals Jim. I thought 311 had TQ down to a T and had the great jackanory boy squirmin - I thought his 'Life Story' was hilarious. But then we are all entitled to our own opinions despite what TQ/Major Marque and 'Francis' - all one of them might say. Can we have our website back please?
Submitted by: The other 'Gorbals Jim' Girvan, Scotland 12/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
311 Thistle - I fail to see the point in both your e-mails (7/05/10). This is a friendly website - we have had more of our fair share of idiots...we don't need anymore. You go on about exchange diatribes and yet you're the one who is doing it! I am a friend of 10 quid I know him like a brother. I know from reading this site for many years he was often known as Gorbals Jim and a bit of bantering is welcome but you have become the borer in chief!
I am quite willing to be your next victim because you deserve all your going to get. You said you have not been on here for some time....!too soon for my liking. On to insult other people for using it as a chat show. What business is it of yours what they use it for? The only person you are embarrassing is yourself. It is not anybody on this site's fault that you have never been anywhere, seen anything or done anything - that is so obvious that if you're looking for sympathy, go buy yourself a dummy! Francis.
Submitted by: Francis O'Haren Cape town, South Africa 12/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
R.I.P SCOBIE (Edward Cockburn) 20th February 1956 - 1st May 2010. Tae a guy who had so much illness throughout his short life, God bless you my dear friend. Thanks fer the memories, gone but will never be forgotten, yer big pal, Flecky, aka, The Jannie. x
Submitted by: James Fletcher Glasgow, Scotland 11/05/10 Email: jimthejannie@btinternet.com
Been reading the posts for a while and never posted myself but I have to say, I thought 311 Thistle had ol Jerry Boyle down to a tee. I thought from his feeble reply that his pipe has been put at a peep. It's funny how he found it insulting when someone else told fanciful tales and he has been doin it to us for years. The bitter bit I think. Nice one 311!! By the way, was brought up in South Portland Street, spend many a happy summer gettin hudgies and playing kiss kat or torture. The lassies always picked torture wi me!
Submitted by: Kick The Can York, England 11/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To Cathie in Blackpool - Great, I will try the Big Top you mentioned. I have been at the Scotland Street School, The People's Palace and The Art Galleries with women's group and with grandchildren and have never, ever seen a peerie - but then I wisnae looking fur wan then! There is a posh old fashioned childrens toy shop off Byres Road so I will try there as well as the couple of possibilities you mentioned. Isn't memory a very funny thing! As I mentioned, I am doing this Social History stuff at the lodging House Mission, stoating baws, playing American Ropes etc etc when Wham the word peerie came into my head. Where did it come from? I hivnae said or thought of the word for maybe 60 years!! It was a great wee past time either on your own or better still having a wee competition amongst friends - see who would keep it spinning the longest. Anyway, I won't rest till I get one - maybe I'll get one under the heading of an antique from eBay. Thanks again Cathie. R x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 11/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Rose Doyle - What block in Queen Elizabeth Square did you stay in and when?
Submitted by: M.Farrell Glasgow, Scotlansd 11/05/10 Email: mariefarrell57@hotmail.co.uk
I'm trying to locate a very old friend of mine from the Gorbals. His name is Thomas (Tommy) Harley and he would be 46 years old now. I know that he had a few brothers, think that one was called Johnny and he had 1 sister called Rosemarie. Tommy was a keen supporter of Celtic when I knew him. I just wish I knew how he is getting on. Any details would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Submitted by: Cindy Essex, England 11/05/10 Email: satellitecindy@hotmail.co.uk
Great post by Thistle 311 on the mystery hero of this site. While I'm on, can anyone tell me what was at the back of the Rose garden before they built the health centre? I seem to remember a derelict factory there but as I was only around 5 at the time I could be talking nonsense.
Submitted by: Marky Greenock, Scotland 11/05/10 Email: Speak2Marky@googlemail.com
F.A.O. Auld Biddy - In answer to your question, I have no idea. I did not know any of my dad's direct family, even his brothers. I Believe his brother Denis was killed in a motor bike accident at a young age. We as a family left the Gorbals circa 1950 after the death of my mother from TB. She was an Elliott, first name Mabel, her famiily were from Thistle Street. My mother worked in the kipper store behind 17 Thistle Street hence my previous question to TQ. Denis.
Submitted by: Denis Mochan rochester, England 11/05/10 Email: email@dmoch.plus.com
Rita, have you tried a shop called 'The Big Top' at Charing Cross? There is also 'Scotland Street School Museum'at Kingston - they have a gift shop. Think the big top is your best bet. Hope to be your best friend ever. Cathie x
Submitted by: Cathie Blackpool. England 11/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Where's Colin Mcfarlane and the mates that backed him up on the (GREAT BOOK) we got for about two years before it came oot? And Robert Carlyle was in talks about making the film. LOL hahahaha oh ma sides lol
Submitted by: Grumpy Glasgow, Scotland 11/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Dennis Mochan - sorry, I came from originally Lawmoor Street, moved to 321 Thistle Street when I got married and the only fish market I knew was in Errol street next to the St. Francis boys Guild we used to walk down Thistle street and turn left buy nuts before we went to the movies. Not much of the day left and men where playing football with an old tin can or a ball stuffed with paper. If these men were still fit and well, Scotland would have no troubles fielding a great team the players. They were brilliant - keepy up with a tin can, flick and head it and shoot between the wall and the lamp post screams of our penalty kick! No goal no goal! And somebody just dribbled onto the set and scores a goal at the other end! "Brazil became a great football nation because of Scottish coaches!" Believe it or not! Tenquid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 11/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi to Mick Gallagher. I remember Sandshoe Wullie, maybe he was Sanny's brother. He scared the living daylights out of us so much that when someone called out that he was coming, one young boy nearly through himself of the roof playground at St. Francis school. Anyone remember the roof playground?
Submitted by: Jean Fairie Australia 11/05/10 Email: gorbals@aapt.net.au
Dominic 311/911 or whatever you want to call yourself - insults are boring! The people that would be annoyed of my talk about drugs would either be schizophrenia users or drug dealers and I haven't said much YET! 10 Quid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 11/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Mick Gallagher - I think you were probably refering to "Sandshoe Wullie" you should read Gorbalsjim1 from Oz posting dated 29/03/06. There's quite a bit of detail of Sandshoe Wullie's background there. Terry Lennie.
"Sandshoe wullie wis a poor head injured person who wis looked after by his mum he lived around rutherglen rd. He was a harmless guy who roamed the streets picking up cigarette buts and dud matches. His hair was always shaved short no doubt to keep lice off him, he was slim n tall with a stoop and his white sandshoes were his trade mark. I seen him at least once a week scuffing around near the graveyard in rutherglen rd down by the bees pictures, the poor guy never harmed a sole and his mum did a wonderful job sorry if i come across a bit shity, but i do get upset when people hiv a go at the unfortunate he was as notoriouse as oor wullie in the beeno gorbalsjim."
Submitted by: Terry Lennie Luton, England 10/05/10 Email: terry@tlennie.freeserve.co.uk
To James Fletcher - so sad to hear the news about Billy Shankland. Fair gave me a shake as Billy is one of several people I have heard of who were taken way before their time - and a few years younger than I am as it so happens! The Shanklands are a well known family in the area-you could always tell a Shankland when they were weans because of their lovely blond hair. RIP Billy - you will be missed. R x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 10/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Angus Dunbar - I did not know when my mother died or when she had her birthday and no one could give me any help. One day I went to the Birth, Death and Marriage Offices in Edinburgh - all the clerk asked me for was my mother's maiden name and within a matter of minutes she was able to supply me with her date of birth and the day she died [you have no idea how I felt]. I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK.
Submitted by: C Meek Glasgow, Scotland 10/05/10 Email: c.meek1@ntlworld.com
For Denis Mochan - are you related to wee Harry Mochan? Do you know the Donachy family from Rosyth Street?
Submitted by: Auld Biddy 10/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
For 311 Thistle - what a total hoot your posting on TQ's life story!! I haven't laughed so much in donkey's years!! As for who he really is, does anyone care? Not a jot! What a laugh I have had! Thank you 311 Thistle.
Submitted by: Auld Biddy 10/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hello everyone - this is a long shot but can anyone remember a wee wholesale chemist called Sammeroff's. It was in a back lane near St. John's Chapel. I remember a lovely man, Frank O'Connor who worked there and his 2 daughters, Anne and Francis....wonder what happened to the old place? Cheers, Ann.
Submitted by: Ann Davies (Kerr) The Northeast, England 10/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
This petty sniping is getting out of hand. I could not care less if everything being said here is a pack of lies. It keeps me interested. TQ, I believe you are ex. 70 Thistle Street. You recall the kipper store behind number 17? Do you know anything about it, anyone got any photos? Denis Mochan.
Submitted by: Denis Mochan Rochester, England 10/05/10 Email: email@dmoch.plus.com
To Cathie in Blackpool. Thanks for taking the trouble to send me the rhymes - I had a really good laugh at the wee dug - it all came flooding back. I sent a posting re. a peerie and whip-cannie get one anywhere...... Cathie your gonna be my best pal ever if you can tell me where I can get one. Come oan anybody help me oot here? I promised the women's group I would get one.... R x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 10/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Doris, you said there are no rocket scientist, found in the Gorbals. Well, there was one boy from Kidston Street (I never knew his name) but he was tall boy with glassies. He set off rockets in the Mallsie (roughly 1949). He was registered with NASA - promised to my recollection would be sponsored at University - never knew what became of him, any idea? "Believe it or not!" 10 Quid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 10/05/10 Email:Not Supplied
It takes all kinds to make the world up, even at my age (62 yrs). I never cease to be amazed. Now we are getting a Mr. Thomson defending two sources who in one mail claim to be the same person, TQ and the Major, so is Mr Thomson also fictious? I burst out laughing when I read his mail. It is so clearly apparent he is one of them!! But why do this? Are we that old and senile? TQ - thanks for the straight answers and I accept them in good faith but please understand that I just think you have done just about everything in this world despite your illnesses which is remarkable. Is your name Boyle? If so, why is it a secret?
Anyway, I enjoy reading all the letters on here. It's something I look forward to. As for the Major, your suggestion seems absurd - only evil thinkers are evil doers. Am I correct as you say Old Chap? Well that saying is not from my Gorbals, its English eh? Are you an ex soldier? (I've seen a lot of old uniforms down Paddy's Market) One was an army tunic with the HLI on its sleeve and had corporal stripes on it. It was a khaki colour - any good Major? Harry.
Submitted by: Harry Young Glasgow, Scotland 09/05/10 Email: hharryup55@yahoo.com
Ah dearie me. When ah wis wee ah used ti peel the totties. Noo am big an ah cin jig and ah cin kiss the loddies. Hey Auld Biddy, had to laugh when you said no posh all tosh - that is my hubby - his nickname from way back and being he has tourrette syndrome, he talks non stop. Thank's that I wear a hearing aid and ah cin turn him aff. Wears oot ma batteries (smile)!! Anyhoo, don't know when the ha ha gangs ever ruled Glasgow hen - a lot of people never even knew about gangs. All depends on were you live does it not? So again let's keep smiling and as for the past you cannot change it - life does go on. We don't need any sour plums on this page. Life is hard enough at times without us awe. Waking up during surgery - let me tell you it is nothing to brag about. Now I have a name for it thanks to TQ. Today here is mothers' day, and as always a nice day.....Artie n Mary went for a walk and came back wi a big bunch of thistles. Put them in a vase and honestly, they were just lovely. Only problemo wis their German bonds were nipping from all the jaggy nettles......have to try and get her a winnie peg as this wheelchair crap is a pain in the butt. Too many hills where we are at. I think ah hiv lost ten pun jist by pushing her up n doon hills.....too bad it wisnae a wee hill like the Cuddy Brae, then ah wid jist let her roll right into the Clyde. She says she needs a safty belt when ah take her oot. I forget and push her over lumps n bumps last week - went ti a crafts fare in a park - God stiff me broon breed, got her stuck in the grass and hid tae get a couple of smashers (young tims) to lift her up. "Senoras, we will push for you. Were do you want to go?" Mary wis mortified - no me oh jist take us ti the food side for some tacos. taco taco am gonnie murder you this time ah mean it when we get hame..... so I just left her and stuffed ma face wi great mexican food. Hey you ya Gorbals get, yur no gonnie stuff yir face and no gies any. Ah like that food tae but nae spicy wans so there we were among a nice mexican family and that bliddy Mary wis getting awe the attention waited on hand an one foot(only got one leg). Dorees, you no do that to her make her mad. We played the part well - good cop/bad cop. See you Doris, you will do anything for free food, especially when it is good ha ha ha. Another rerr day in my opinion. Doris, this is just like going to the Barras - Mary said nice people cannie understaun them but nice people .....oh an don't gie me any that green stuff advacado (salsa). Anymore on the reunion for all us auld biddies? So again, let's be nice to each other cause life is to short to harp on about a lot of stuff. Have a great life. DAM.
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 09/05/10 Email:
R.I.P BILLY SHANKLAND JANUARY 1951 - MAY 2010. Another wan of the good Gorbals guys taken from us so early in his year. Special thanx tae Michael Duffy, fer daen wan grate joab wae the service, ye dun Billy 'n the famly 'n yersel proud. May ur God be with yous all. FLECKY. P.S. Michael, ye pikt masel 'n Jimmy Coburn up at the Linn - thanx. Flecky A.K.A THE JANNIE X
Submitted by: James Fletcher Glasgow, Scotland 09/05/10 Email: jimthejannie@btinternet.com
Can any one remember the Hi Hi Bar on Crown Street (Gorbals)? I remember walking my aunt Mary Walsh to the pub as she was the cleaner. Any stories welcome. Later in life I was to work in the Hi Hi - me and a friend put a disco in the lounge and called it the Pink Pig.
Submitted by: Jim Douglas Ottawa, Canada 09/05/10 Email: jdouglas@alscott.ca
Re.The Bundoran Bar in Mathieson Street. I was speaking to an old neighbour - a Mr Pat Geraghty who used to live in Lawmoor Street. He remembers that the proprietor of the Bundoran was a Mr. Vincent Harvey. When the pub wasn't doing as well as usual, he brought big John McPhail of Celtic F.C in as manager and things started to pickup after that. Cheers, Nan.
Submitted by: Nan Cameron Glasgow, Scotland 08/05/10 Email: partickbelle@hotmail.co.uk
There you go - it must be get TQ week. That was one thing Jerry missed - all the bickering, jealousy and back stabbing by people who wouldn't say to your face. The gorbals had quite a few of them. I've read TQ's letters for some years and found them 90% truthful and the other 10% is put in for a laugh. As he said, if you don't like it, skip it as others may enjoy it. That said, I've got a cousin called Harry Young from Mathison/Thistle Street but I don't think its the same person as he wasn't an old sweety wife.
Submitted by: Anonymous Brighton, England 08/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I recently posted a story about the Cleland Bar in the soo-side - well I'd like tae tell ye another wan. Finishing my 5 year apprenticeship as a bricklayer, I was a young tradesman 20 years old and in the month of August that year, I wiz drinking in the Cleland at weekends fur the live music. This gorgeous barmaid, Cathy, said ah dont see ye with yer girlfriend anymare. Ah said naw Cathy we've split up and tae cut a long story short ah asked her oot and she said oh aye [yipee], so we made a date fur the following Wednesday night 7.15 ootside Boots the Chemist in Argyle Street way the big clock. Noo, ah wiz wurkin with a firm called Crudens way doon at Faslane - we goat picked up way Crudens work bus in St. Enochs Square at 6.45am and landed on site aboot 7.50, wiz a long jaunt bit we goat £5 a week subsistence and that wiz great money + wages. The following week at work, ah wiz goin on aboot how beautiful Cathy was and whit a figure and the other brickies told me tae shut up [must hive been goin on too much]. Comes Wednesday the big day, ahm over the moon. Ah finishes wurk at 3.30 - we worked 4 nights tae 7 and Friday 4.30, so ah thumbs a lift intae Glesga gets a bus hame tae South Nitshill cause the tenement we lived in that butted oan tae Big Bonnies had collapsed, hiz a bath and puts on mah 3 piece Burton suite, collar and tie and winkle pickers and gets tae Boot's fur 7 o'clock tae meet Cathy. Ahm staunin there feelin a million dollars smoking an Embassy tipped waiting fur mah burd, gets tae 7.30 not too worried, gets tae 7.45 getting a wee bit worried [ah Cathy widdny let me doon wid she] 8 o'clock comes - ahm desperate and then total DISASTER. The Crudens bus way aw mah work mates pulls up at the traffic lights beside me, Duncan the bus driver and my labourer must have said look theres the wee man, aw the lads were shouting Danny's been stood up, did ye get a dissy, some joker shouted yer a clown and another shouted aye Cathy's clown. Ah turned beetroot red and wished the grund would open up and swally me or yon big clock fa' oan mah heid tae pit me oot o' mah misery. The 2 minutes the bus stood there seemed like 2 years and when it drove away ah ran like the clappers on tae a 48 bus and away hame, my ma said yer hame early son and ah said " Cathy diddny turn up" as if mah Ma could help. Ah wiz totally scunnered. Next mornin oan the bus I got it all - the boys singing "Cathys clown" as mah face slid deeper intae the pages o' the Daily Record. It taught me a lesson in life - never brag aboot goin oot way a beautiful lookin burd jist in case she dissny turn up. Ach we a' learn by oor mistakes and a hve made enough o' them ha ha. Bit every time ah hear Cathy's clown ah feel like greetin.
Submitted by: Danny Gill London, England 08/05/10 Email: gilldanny1@googlemail.com
Hiya everone, so glad to find you! Does anyone remember my wee mam, Jessie McKay, born 1931. Primary school Quarry Brae. Secondary School Eastbank Academy. Addresses that I know of are 3 Hospital Street and 12 Elmfoot Street but there were others where she lived with aunties, when my Grandfather was fighting in the war. (Bella & Maggie) I have Thistle Street in my head too. Other family surnames were Carr and Casey (uncles and aunties ). My mam's dad was Robert McKay born 1901,(parents John McKay and Ellen Cunningham) her mam was Elizabeth Rooney lived in 10 India Street Rutherglen, when born in 1912, (parents Patrick Rooney and Jessie, maiden name Rankin Bilton). Jessie had an older brother John Bilton. I am doing my family tree and would love to hear from anyone who knew my mam or her family. All the best, Audrey.
Submitted by: Audrey Springham Southend-On-Sea, England 08/05/10 Email: ronaspringham@yahoo.co.uk
I really enjoy reading about all the experiences of living in the Gorbals - I was also born there. My Mother finally got a new house in Househillwood in 1939, so we left Lawmoor Street. She never got the Old Gorbals out of her system - still went to the pub on Caledonia Road and always went to the southside to do all her shopping. When she got the new house, she thought she had died and gone to heaven because she finally had a bathroom.
Submitted by: Karen Lindsay California, USA 08/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi researching my family tree and looking for any info to assist me. I believe my father was born in Glasgow on 22 August 1928. He didn't know his birth father and took his stepfather's name,"Dunbar." His mother married someone called Grady and had two sons, Mick and Ron, and two daughters, Rose and Marion. I recently discovered two addresses that my father had written in an old book - 134 Rhymer Street that I believe he lived in with his family. Also, 130 Saltmarket, Glasgow that may have been where his grandparents on his mother's side lived. His mother's first name was Ann but I do not have a last name.I cannot get his birth certificate because he was not Dunbar at birth and I do not know his mother's maiden name. I think it may have been Black or Jack but not certain any help would be gratefully received. Thanks in anticipation. Angus.
Submitted by: Angus Dunbar Liverpool, England 07/05/10 Email: keurgon1@aol.com
10 Quid - My Amazing Life.
1701 I am born. I nearly died, but luckily because I am born with the ability to speak clearly I tell the doctors how to save me, using techniques never heard of or used since. Between the ages of 1 and 5, I am the youngest pupil to enrol in both Cambridge and Oxford Universities and gain Masters Degrees in all the major subjects. I nearly died, but with my Chief Doctor of Surgery knowledge I am able to perform the first open heart surgery on myself with no anaethetic or even instruments. At the age of 5, I live in the Gorbals for approximately 15 minutes, however, because I have invented time travel, I am able to be at all events that ever happened in that area - in most cases I am the main reason why any event ever happened. I nearly died but the people of the Gorbals collect all their money to save me and send me to Australia.
I arrive in Australia. It takes me 10 minutes to realise that the explorers have been wrong all this time and it's me who actually discovers it properly. I nearly die when attacked by a kangaroo, koala, funnel web spider and blue ringed octopus simultaneously. Luckily, with my extensive knowledge of martial arts and venom antidotes, I make a remarkable recovery after being pronounced dead for nearly 5 years.
I have gained employment in various positions throughout my life including: President of US; King of Belgium; Centre Forward for every team that ever won the World Cup: Superhero with the ability to fly and become invisible. I nearly die on a weekly basis by this time but have now attained the ability to regenerate myself at will.
Presently, I am offered the role of "Borer in Chief" of a Gorbals Anecdotes website. Luckily, I am able to cure the insomnia of the entire nation. All the posters on the website adore me as a God, which is just as well as that is what I have become. I am now nearly dieing on an hourly basis but luckily nobody seems to notice or care. The annoying thing about this remarkable life is the amount of people who doubt some of my abilities ~ honestly, you couldn't make it up!
Submitted by: 311 Thistle Glasgow, Scotland 07/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
10 Quid - without wishing to enter into an exchange of diatribes (unlike you, I do not wish to use this site to boost my ego), is there anything in your extensive repertoire that you haven't done? My God, you have had more 'saved from the brink' events than Flash Gordon. It appears that you are an expert at every occupation ~ sport ~ recreation and medical condition in the dictionary. You have been an eye witness to every event of note that ever happened in the Gorbals during your remakably brief time there. Remind me again please what bearing does your opinion and casual use of drug have on a website supposedly dedicated to allowing people from the Gorbals an opportunity to interact and recall past times? I personably find your flights of fancy and pseudo-expert analysis pretentious and tiresome in the extreme. Give the space to interesting posters on true stories of life in the Gorbals please.
Submitted by: 311 Thistle Glasgow, Scotland 07/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
F.A.O. Terry Lennie - What a fantastic poem about Major Marque! The last time I laughed as much was at a posting by the Major himself. Surely you couldn't be the same person? And to the people who think the Major was running down the Irish, for goodness sake, he's married to an Irishwoman! I walked round the Gorbals recently, trying to picture the houses I lived in. Caledonia Road, Abbotsford Place and Queen Elizabeth Square. We must have been clatty, as they demolished every house as soon as we left!
Submitted by: Rose Doyle Donegal, Ireland 06/05/10 Email: rosedoyle1@hotmail.com
Why is it when someone writes their opinion and their life there is always another punter just dying to slag them? I myself find that all the letters are always interesting whether I agree with them or not. Don't know were that bit of caca came from about gangs running dear old Glasgow.....huh, most of the gangs are all young men trying to prove their manhood, and believe it or not, they grow up and feel like a real mug to all the stupid choices they made just like a lot of us have done.
Like TQ, I myself have been through the mill also. You must have half a brain if you do not know TQ's real name. He has already said who he is, and why is that such a important point?
Now, getting back ti the city slickers.....hated them as ah always needed a peen ti hod them suckers up when ah hid a perr. Me n oor Bertha shared wan pair between us and wan time ah even wore ma brothers jist ti be able ti get oot that day ti go ti the Barras. Oh and am talking when ah wis about 7 or 8. Grew up oan the parish like a lot of other good people and hid tae take whit wis geing ti us like we knew the differance (not). If ma da hid nae nicked stuff fae the docks, man it wid hiv been wurse, called it survival. Ah cannie remember but ah do know it wis hard ti get wurk if yi were a Fenian as the docks wis awe Proddies. I heard another wee story why the Irish were called navvies. Noo ah heard that it wis awe Irish navigators that did plans fur roads an such in America an that is were the word came from.....could be true ? Och and as fur the Major, is it domo he is keeping us going wi his daft patter - gies sum folk some thing tae piss n moan aboot, so come on good people, let us just enjoy all the letters weather we agree wi them ur no.
Well, am aff ti go ti the club and make a lot o people happy ha ha as they keep telling me
oh Doris, we could just listen to you speak all day) and of course I play it ti the hilt. "Oh a love a lassie a wee glesga lassie".....they all sing it and it is getting oan ma last nerve. See what happens when you educate people (joke).Helllloooo Veronica and all the nice people in Canada .....uch and see you TQ, you should know better than that to get miffed. You do hiv a brain - it is in yir napper,so don't waste yir energy oan some negative people who cannie help being sniders. Everyone have a nice day - assalamu alaikum. DAM
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 06/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Does anyone recall a mysterious bogeyman that used to scare all us kids? We would be playing kick the can or whatever and someone would shout, "there's Sand-Shoe-Sanny!!" Then we would all scatter up a close to the safety of our homes. Mick.
Submitted by: Mick Gallagher Glasgow, Scotland 06/05/10 Email: dumpingram@hotmail.com
Rita, I think this is the wee dug rhyme. Last night there was murder at the chip shop, a wee dug stole a haddie bone, a big dug tried tae take it aff it and I hit it wae a tottie scone, ah ran tae tell ma aunty, ma aunty wisney in, I peeped through a hole in the windy and shouted aunty are ye in, her teeth were oan the table her wig was oan the bed, I burst ma sides laughin, when ah saw her wooden leg. What about skinny malinky long legs big banana feet? Wee chooky burdie lo lo lo? And the skipping ropes rhymes: vote, vote, vote for whoever you wanted to jump in. And on the mountain stands a lady. I'll try to think of some more. Cathie xx
Submitted by: Cathie Blackpool, England 06/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To Cathie from Blackpool - thanks very much for the rhyme - we can now stoat oor baws next Tuesday reciting this. As I mentioned, I work with a women's group in Carlton and we are looking into all kinds of old Glasgow things from street songs, childrens game and personal stories. We are in the process of doing a big collage with all kinds of things on it: old family photos, school photos, rent books, pay slips, ration books, National ID cards, old scraps, photographs of old Glasgow streets, eg. rag man, lamp lighters etc etc. They call it social history now!? Well I am glad to be part of that - the good bits and even some of the bad bits made us all what we are. A bunch of cheery survivors who gained their characters and strength from their good Gorbals grannies. R x
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 06/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Harry Young - haven't a clue what you're talking about.Don't know where the cricket bat comes from. I'm not a lover of the game and please, do let me know the date I supposedly wrote about it, or are you the same clown from Melbourne who said I had the face of a killer in an e-mail? I sent you an e-mail - came back wrong address. Major is the tent man - not 10 Quid and never shall we meet! For telling you how to run your life! Not me, I have a hard enough time running my own life! Just another Jerry or just the same one. Yes I write about my illness hoping it can give hope to people who have cancer. I have had the disease five times in a period of eight years and in major organs. This is where I thank my upbringing in the Gorbals for making me the strong person that I am now and I never say die.
Also, in the past four years, I have had a quadruple heart bypass and was awake to feel the pain. I also had a stroke which left me with peripheral vision. Being awake - it's called "awareness." 50,000 people in the world have this problem and as recently as last year I was in a coma after an overdose of morphine given to me by professionals in the hospital. I was glad I suffer awareness and as an agnostic, I can assure you there is nothing after this. My wife told the doctor's when I was connected to a life-support machine if I was going to be a vegetable to switch off the machine [my wish]. I pulled all the tubes out of my body - covered in blood I told the team of nurses and doctors "no more!" Yes and I am called the magic medical wonder around these parts. I wouldn't know you from a bar of soap and you wouldn't know me so why the hell would I want to write about this! So Harry, if you want your 15 minutes of fame, why don't you write a decent story instead of trying to turn the Gorbals site into what happened to the Daily Record site - down the drain. 10 Quid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 06/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Dominic, it seems to offend you that word "drugs." Well, let me enlighten you. I was a lecturer for five years before retirement. I worked with the apprentices in the machine shop of engineering. I also was a football coach for many years from juniors to seniors. Surely this gives one experience of talking to others. Also a user for five years of cannabis and I will say it was a very helpful medication! In later years, on the criminal parole board as I understood drugs and the first thing I learned was people were jailed as criminals and where returned to society as criminal junkies and before you go off on the wrong tangent, I do not agree with prohibition! We may have come from the same street and have the same name but I won't insult your intelligence by saying that I am the most knowledgeable person around! I have a lot of experience that I can leave behind to this world - weary phenomenon of drug use! I do not write into the Gorbals site alone. I have also conveyed my beliefs to governments at all levels for having the views I hold. I was arrested, charged and brought to trial as a drugs dealer. Charges were dropped! Dominic, if you don't like what I write, it is very easy to just skip it. 10 Quid.
Submitted by: 10 Quid Australia 06/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Why is there no mention of the fun and laughter we used to have living in the Gorbals? I remember one time me and my brother and two brothers, who lived in the high backs on the corner of Rutherglen Road and Sandyfaulds Street, were outside Dirty Maggies when we noticed there was a gap a the bottom of her counter. Anyone who knew Maggies would know when you took comics or mags in to swap, she would drop them on the floor and pick up another bundle from the floor for you to choose the ones you wanted. Anyway, this day, one of the brothers crawled on his knees, reached under and got a handful, but when he came out all he had was Woman's Realm, Women's Own etc., but we wanted the Dells and DC Comics. Remember them? So in I went - reached under as far as I could, got a big handful and slowly pulled them towards me. What I didn't know was that Maggie was standing on them and I was pulling her towards the counter. She leaned over and shouted, "Get away ya wee b*&%*!! I know your ma." We legged it and that was me barred out of Dirty Maggies. Oh the shame for weeks later when my ma said here son go get yourself a comic. I would say, "Naw ma, ye cannie afford it." How could I tell her her little 9 year old was barred? It was shameful. Great days though.
Submitted by: Pat Holland London, England 06/05/10 Email: patlyonsholland@hotmail.co.uk
F.A.O. Rita - as far as I can remember the rhyme went:
wan two three a leerie
haud ma whip tae ah spin ma peerie
oh ah cannie spin ma peerie
will ye spin it fur me.
wan two three a leerie I spy Wallace beerie sitting on his bumbaleerie kissing Shirley temple.
Hope this helps.
Submitted by: Cathie Blackpool, England 06/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Ian Thomson - you are so, so correct! Major Marque and TQ are obviously people who have "fronts" and hide behind them very well! Mr. Marque, in my opinion, is obviously educated and likes to show this by his writing! Heavens above, can you write like him? Can you be bothered? Hell no! He probably speaks with the same jorrie in his mouth as he writes!!! Forget the posh - more like tosh!!!
As far as TQ (after all his years of terminal illnesses) is concerned, he still tries to impress on us all his "mysterious background" "try and work out who I am" - does anyone really care?? It's now 2010 - and we love to remind ourselves of our past - be it good or bad! We don't need patronising or reminding that thugs ruled the lovely old Glasgow City! Regards to one and all - Auld Biddy! A true Glasgow Lass!
Submitted by: Auld Biddy England 05/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To Joan from USA, Herself the Elf Emily and Irene Muir. Aye school days....and yes my mammy did whiten my sannies and leave them outside the windy to dry. She was a very clean woman - my excuse for being a bit dited all my life was that she washed my face with a loofah. I kid you not. The aforesaid navy knickers were the bane of my life having always been endowed with rather a large bum!! The legs were always kinda hinging doon - probably again due to overwashing. Thankfully, it took a large number of years for my face to go the same way. Went to Hayfield School as my mother and all her family did. Good basic education with the priorities on the 3 R's. Couldnie beat it. At that point Scotland had a world class system of education. Constantly got the strap for talking! What was that all about? Needless to say it didnae stop me talking....or writing.
Went to John Street and had the classic, great, nurturing teacher, Miss Blair. Fanny Blair was her nick name. I always loved English-my favourite was composition. No surprises there. After a year and a half I started to go way off track in all sorts of ways. Hence the bit about changing from the gym slip into a very tight long skirt on the way to school. Very short hair a la Lesley Carron with with wee spikey bits held in place with a solution of sugar and water!! A real holy terror in my teens.
When John Street finally closed around 1997 I think (need to check this with my sister Janet) I went to a school reunion. Davie Letham was there - a very popular teacher and he kept involved in school matters over the years. Never had a crush on him but had a gigantic crush on a young music teacher who came to school in a motor bike. I felt faint whenever I went to his classes - the hormones were fairly kicking in. I kept giving him the glad eye. Poor sod - he was the one with the big riddy. So much for crushes and young love - I've forgotten his name. R.
P.S. John Street motto was "Pride O' Worth."
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 05/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Rita, I remember those lovely navy blue knickers we had to wear for gym at John Street secondary school. Worst part was we had that hunk of a gym teacher Davie Letham [ex football player]. My face was always bright red when he would appear - I had a big crush on him as a lot of girls did. Then the boys going to art class up above would all whistle at us. Herself The Elf Emily.
Submitted by: EMILY BIROS california, USA 05/05/10 Email: GLASGOWLASSIE@HOTMAIL.COM
F.A.O. Rita - Your wardrobe description had me ROTFLMAO. I remember everything you described. Did you mother clean your shoes with Blanco, and did she put them on the window sill to dry? Also, do you remember a shoe store in Shawlands, I think it was called Ann Crawfords?
Submitted by: Joan USA 05/05/10 Email: artandjoan@att.net
F.A.O. Harry Young 03/05/10 - Harry my dear chap, you have to look a tad closer to postings that I have made before you tell me to "lay off the Irish". Apart from a reply to "Rose of Donegal" I have never, ever mentioned the Irish in any of my postings. If you are referring to the posting dated 30/03/2010 where someone has put my name against the posting, I am afraid you are accusing the wrong chap. I completly distance myself from anything that was said on the posting in question - any other posting that has an Irish connotation associated with Major Marque, would be in relation to the posting in question and has not been influenced by any comment that I have made. Please be assured of that old chap. Just to drive the point home, I could put a posting on the site tomorrow and put Harry Young as the sender - would it be you? With respect, Major Marque.
Submitted by: Major Marque Sussex, England 04/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Thank you Terry Lennie for your comments to Derek - you said what I wanted to say only you were more diplomatic. All I have to say to Derek is goodbye.
I am looking for a family by the name of SYMES. During the WWII, my mum and I were evacuated up to the lead hills to a village called WANLOCHEAD and the SYMES family took us in. If anyone out there knows any of them, please e-mail me - I would really appreciate it. HERSELF THE ELF EMILY BIROS.
P.S. TERRY - I tried to e-mail you but I couldn't get your e-mail to work!
Submitted by: Emily Biros California, USA 04/05/10 Email: GLASGOWLASSIE@HOTMAIL.COM
Hello again everyone. Do hope that when we all put wee comments in, it really all is tongue in cheek. It certainly is on my part and if any one takes me too seriously - och well too bad. Still hoping to hear from any of the Wiseman, Black, Weir and Levy families who used to live in Oregan Street....oh and one more thing, the reason I left my dear auld Glesga toon was not greed - now don't laugh but ah thooot ah wis gon ti america ti pick the gold aff the streets and live like Ozzie 'n' Harriet. Huh, nae chance!! Hid ti work ma bum aff to get were ah wanted ti be......and efter reading that book by Colin McFarlane, well ah didnae know that bonnies wis were all the dummies and hooligins went ti.....hmmmmn makes me wonder if that is the case how come all the good people I know have all done well in life. And talk about smart? Huh, we musta learned some thing in bonnies and all that rubbish about us being no brainers that laddie didnae know our ambitions and daring nothing held us back we just forged ahead like troops in the battle and I can speak for a lot of us Bonnies students who are well today.
Oh and Marcie - nothing personal as ah don't know you.....and another thing us folks we uurnay braggers - take it all in stride and just keep moving ahead. TQ, am no gonnie ask yi again whits going oan wi the book? And we want a wee chapter oot it so cum oan gies awe a thrill and a laugh because ah knoe it is going ti be a brammer and no mingin like sum o the shyte we read true facts and some one who lived the life it isnae awe bad rough but no bad oh and a wee ps wit aboot awe the other schools ah suppose everywan wis a rocket scientis.....so be kind to each other and remember ti laugh next week yi wull hiv forgotten whit worried yi last week. DAM
Submitted by: Doris McIntyre California, USA 03/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Three friends and I went to see J.M.Barrie's Peter Pan on Saturday at the King's in Glasgow. There was lots of children there, but I and my friends found it very violent, with knife fights etc. I did not know till then that Barrie came from Glasgow. The young actors were really good, but Tinker Bell was a flame floating around the stage, we found it all very strange. I always thought Peter Pan was a lovely story to tell my grandson, but not now.
Its good to have the site back again, you do a great job webmaster. Agnes.
Submitted by: Agnes Herrity Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: agnesherrity'hotmail.co.uk
To All. Why worry when people knock the Gorbals? You and I lived there and have our own precious memories, rich or poor. The one thing that is exclusive to us is "OUR LIFE EXPERIENCES". "No one can take them away" from us.xxx Hi Rita Moffat - can you please contact me re - email in private?
Submitted by: Irene Muir (Millward-Pizheva) Salford, England 03/05/10 Email: irenerpizheva@ymail.com
Just revisted this site after a long absence. What has happened to it? When this site was first posted it was full of interesting tales (anecdotes) of life in the Gorbals and gave invaluable access for people to track down friends and relations. Having looked through the recents posts, it now appears to be taken over by people who use it as an opportunity to extend their ego by setting themselves up as some kind of as hoc authors and lecturers!. Do I really need to come on here to see some person's personal views on drugs? Who elected this person as 'Lecturer in Chief', if I want information I will go to experts. It also seems that it is now being used as some sort of personal chat room by the same old boring posters who now regard it as some form of personal fiefdom. I respectfully ask the Webmaster to filter out these highly irritating 'usual suspects' and get the site back to what it was intended: an exchange of reveries of a special place and time.
Submitted by: 311 Thistle Gkasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: dominic.boyle@sky.com
Major Marque, I am sure you're enjoying your fantasies - you are quite rightly doing no harm, but I find that you're over the top and taking the pee. We don't need comic book illustrations - we are all adults on here and I enjoy good fun the same as the next one but do you call your stuff real good fun? I'm lost to be truthful. Bye Billy.
Submitted by: Billy Malcom Gkasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: malcomjunior@hotmail.com
Was the pub at the corner of Mathieson Street and Cumberland Street called Ropers? My "better half" said it was in Sandyfaulds Street.
Submitted by: Amelia McKinlay nee Welsh Gkasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: ameliamckinlay@msn.com
It is such a shame that somebody has stooped so low as to pretend to be either Major Marque or TQ (Major Marque 30/03/10). Anybody who is a regular reader of the Anecdotes as I am will know that it is not TQ's style to try and rubbish somebody while trying to remain anonymous. He would be right up front like Auld Biddy and tell you what he really thinks. As for the Major Marque guy, he is not going to rubbish his own posting. He's obviously somebody who's either lived in the Gorbals or has read up on it and is trying to make up some story about it. The main point is, I would hate to think that it was one of the regular posters who was pretending to be TQ or Major Marque because they feel that some posters are getting too much attention. It's more likely it's just somebody trying to wind everybody up (it's no you Jerry, is it?) There is one good thing coming out of this though - the webmaster's being kept busy. Cheers - Ian - ex - Camden Street.
PS great to see the site up and running again, well done the Webmaster.
Submitted by: Ian Thomson Hamilton, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
I am sure the pub at the corner of Mathieson Street and Cumberland Street was called Ropers.
Submitted by: John mulligan Dubai, UAE 03/05/10 Email: mull712000@yahoo.co.uk
Hi Wee Willie, the pub in Mathieson Street was called the Bundoran Bar. It was between Cumberland Street and Rutherglen Road, if you go to Google and type in the Bundoran Bar, Mathieson Street, Gorbals, you will see it for yourself. John
Submitted by: John Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Major Marque/Ten Q - I read the posting on the 30/4. It's pretty awful to tell you in all honesty. What's it all about? Hey mate, bless you but every year in the last ten you have had a life threatening illness then, wham, an amazing recovery. How do you do it matey? Still, the same TQ telling us all how to run our lives when all you mention is beating folk up with cricket bats? Get a life. How about sending us historic details that are factual? Major, lay off the Irish please.
Submitted by: Harry Young Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: hharryup55@yahoo.com
Christina, DAM & Amelia - Thought we needed something a bit lighter - things seem a bit fraught at the moment! Soooooo I thought it might be interesting to list my clothes " hates" - some from my childhood onwards. What's yours? Here we go.....ankle socks that widnae say on yer ankle - slipped underneath yer heel - I wiz FOREVER pulling mine up; liberty bodices - ok at 10, embarassing at 15. Totally destroyed my first love affair!; woollen jumpers wi the sleeves cut off, worn as woolie vests and usually honking of Vick's Vapour Rub - seemed to a war time staple; pixie hats; wellie boots when the sun was shining - the smell of rubber combined wi sweatie feet-ugh!; peach coloured interlock knickers wi pockets in them fur yer hankie - how uncool!; frayed hair ribbons; white sand shoes that needed whitening; Clarks brown leather lace up shoes - fell aff a lorry and wiz made to wear them even when they were 2 sizes too big. Just couldn't wear them oot. Lasted fur years they shoes did; navy schol napcoat that had 1 shiny sleeve caused by constant wiping over snotty nose YAK!; John Street School gym slip - slipped oot of this into a long tight hobble skirt before I hit Tullis Street; baggie navy blue gym knickers - seem to hiv a problem wi elastic; nylons bought from the barras that laddered in the first 5 minutes of wear; whirlpool bras that gave you wee sharp pointy boobs that caved in when you were doing a mooney in the Locarno; foam backed coats from Rita's in the Gallowgate; American Tan tights. Think I'll stop there, could go on for hours. Lets here from you girls.
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Regarding the pub in Mathieson Street - there was one facing St. Francis Boys School named the Bundoran Bar between pawn shop and Cissie McCafferies.
Submitted by: JohnJ Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
To Christina Philbin, DAM and Amelia. My memory is good on some things, not so good on others. On a Tuesday morning I organise a wee wummins group in the Lodging House Mission - just accross from Barrowland. We do some daft things - crotchet, knitting, bitching and stitching and sing all the old songs. We are doing a wee turn for an East Glasgow festival and we are gathering Glasgow street songs and weans games. I am looking for the words of one two three a leerie .....then something aboot bumberleerie? And that song aboot the wee dug that stole a haddie bone. I cannie remember all the words of these two - can you help? Plus words of any other songs connected to games? You should have seen us last week stoatin baws aff waws, playing peever and cawing two sets of ropes for American ropes. Jumpin' aboot like a mad wummin shoutin you naughty boy you stole my toy. Mmm, better no tell ma family they will definitely think I hiv lost the plot!! Well ma belly wiz so sore laughing - I took a stitch in ma side. I jist wish you could hiv been there. Best fun I've hid in years.
Submitted by: Rita Moffat Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: Not Supplied
Hi Wee Wullie. I tried to send an email to you with a photo of one of the three pubs on Mathieson Street but the email bounced back to me. The three pubs were on the corners of Ballater Street/Mathieson Street, Old Rutherglen Road/Mathieson Street and Cumberland Street/Mathieson Street. The photo I have is of Ropers Bar, Cumberland Street/Mathieson Street. I can email it to you if you give me an email address that won't bounce back. Not being from Gorbals I do stand to be corrected in saying there were three pubs. I am sure I have a file with Gorbal pubs in it - will keep looking. Bye for now, Norrie.
Submitted by: Norman McNamee Glasgow, Scotland 03/05/10 Email: norman_mcnamee@hotmail.com
F.A.O. Wee Wullie - the website for Old Glasgow Pubs lists a pub called Roper's, at the corner of Mathieson Street and Cumberland Street.
Submitted by: Rose Doyle Donegal, Ireland 03/05/10 Email: rosedoyle1@hotmail.com
About the public house in Mathieson Street - I was in Blackpool and got speaking to two persons who remember the name of the public house.It was the Bundoran Bar next door to Cissie McCafferty shop. Hope this clears this query up.
Submitted by: Garngad Bhoy Glasgow, Scotland 01/05/10 Email: T_Bowers@talktalk.net
Major Marque went tae the park because it was nice weather. He strolled aroon and very soon he chanced upon Wee Blether. "Wit's up?" says she with joyful glee. Yer face is really trippin'. He came rite back wi' Gorbals crack an' said, "ma heed's fair nippin." "It seems ma rank's nae worth a w***k, in fact ah feel a diddy. They say am posh and talk real tosh accordin' tae Auld Biddy. But that's no me, as you will see as we pursue this natter. I can harangue in local slang and good old Gorbal's patter. There is some talk among some folk that's caused me quite some pains. It's put aboot that there's a doot aroon ma wife an weans. My poor son Tyde a huv denied since he was but a pup. But he rushed in and for ma sin ah said yer no washed up. There is some strife aroon ma wife ma poor dear Lady Phil. You'll no huv weans the folks maintain yer wife is oan the pill. But It's no the pill or feelin' ill or condom wearin' pranks. In fact it's true that rite the noo am only firin' blanks. There's been a leak that Luv and Keek are also my sweet weans. The stories grew but they're no true - you see they're only stains. I'll say no more to tire or bore you in this lovely place. Auld Blether dear that look, I fear, is written oan yer face
Submitted by: Terry Lennie Luton, England 01/05/10 Email: terry@tlennie.freeserve.co.uk
Derek, pull in your jib, raise up your hook, swing around 180 degrees and look out beyond the 20 odd golf clubs that surround East Kilbride and you will see that there is another world to be discovered out there. From the "scattering of the clans" to the present day Scottish folk for a variety of reasons have decided to leave these shores and settle in other lands. Some travelled to the other side of the world, and others (like myself) only a few hundred miles, but whether near or far I don't think it's sentimental rubbish to say "my heart will always be in Glasgow". Why would anybody make that statement if wasn't true. I believe Emily has spoken from the heart, and you will find throughout the Anecdotes postings all the way back to 2002 that there are other ex-pats voicing similar feelings. The other point I want to make is, that you seem to have problem with Americans for some reason, the implication being that they are not honest, and it seems that you and "the rest of the world" have got the lowdown on the Americans (please tell us more). We Scots don't all speak the truth, and I include myself in that statement, and you don't have to be living in Scotland to be "true to your roots". If you were born in Scotland you are Scottish (and I include every colour and creed in that statement) and you remain Scottish until you draw your last breath, wherever in the world that might be. Derek, there seems to be a phrase that is popular among the postings, and that is "you need to get a life", but I am not going to throw that one at you, for the simple reason that I think you are most likely a decent enough guy and where just suffering from P.P.P.S. (Post-Pub-Penning Syndrome) when you posted your comment.
P.S. When I see your posted apology to "Herself the Elf" I will know that you ARE a decent enough guy.
Submitted by: Terry Lennie Luton, England 01/05/10 Email: terry@tlennie.freeserve.co.uk
Wee Wullie, there was a pub on the corner of Mathieson Street and Cumberland Street, diagonally across from the Paragon. Roper's was the name. Not quite sure but I think there was one (canny mind the name) down from the Paragon on the same side near what I think was a cafe. Getting a bit dited - maybe been in too many over the years, aye just down from the "finger" door of the Paragon finger? Well, thats what it was called 'cos you could open it from the outside with your fingers, likewise the stick. Hard and nae mair mind of the rest - probably got them mixed up but the names are right. Any ex-patrons of this palatial establishment will mind sitting there watching and scratching when one of the aforementioned doors would suddenly burst open, a flood of daylight and umpteen wee figures scurrying all over the place. Some were caught and papped oot but there was always a few escaped, aye exciting times.
Submitted by: Anon Glasgow, Scotland 01/05/10 Email: Not Supplied