Celebrating May Day at Kelvingrove Bandstand

On 1st May, I took part in Glasgow's May Day Rally, organised by Glasgow Trades Council, which went from George Square to Kelvingrove Bandstand. This year's theme was "workers are heroes, build the economy around them".

View of the bandstand

Ban the Bomb Placards at the bandstand

There was a call for a new deal for all key workers, that acknowledges their sacrifices and commitment during the pandemic.

Hands mural on St. Georges Road

There is a stunning new mural on St George’s Road, at its junction with Garscube Road, by the well known Glasgow Artist Rogue One. This has been supported by Queens Cross Housing Association.

Over the last month, I have looked forward to seeing this new landmark on my bike journeys along Garscube Road Segregated Cycle Way,

Local Election 2022 Pledges

As a candidate for the Scottish Green Party seeking re-election in the Hillhead Ward, I have pledged my support for the asks of the following organisations:- 

Walk, Wheel, Cycle, Vote - http://walkwheelcyclevote.scot/how/

Scottish Women's Aid #Survivors Pledge2022 - https://womensaid.scot/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Press-Release-SurvivorPledge2022.pdf

Social Enterprise Scotland - https://socialenterprise.scot

Mental Health Foundation - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/wellbeing-communities

Community Transport Association - https://ctauk.org/scottishlocalelections2022/

Barnardo's Scotland - https://www.barnardos.org.uk/news/barnardos-scotland-asks-local-election-candidates-act-children-and-families-mind

Cycling Uk - https://action.cyclinguk.org/page/101932/action/1?ea.tracking.id=TW

MND Scotland - https://action.mndscotland.org.uk/page/97185/action/1

STUC - https://stuc.org.uk/files/STUCCouncilManifesto.pdf

Children 1st - https://www.children1st.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/2022-council-election-manifesto/

Glasgow Food Policy Partnership - http://goodfoodforall.co.uk/local-food-economy-manifesto

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) - https://www.samh.org.uk/get-involved/standing-up-for-scotlands-mental-health/stand-up-for-scotlands-mental-health-in-local-communities

Scotland's Mental Health Partnership - https://www.smhp.scot/manifesto

STUC's Women's Committee #FoodForThought campaign for universal free school meals.

MEND - https://www.mend.org.uk/resources-and-publications/election-manifestos/

Solidarity with Ukraine

On Saturday 9th April, I attended the day of action in support of Ukraine at George Square. There was a programme of music, poetry and speakers offering solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

Ukraine Solidarity Campaign Banner

View of the stage

Banners at the day of action

There is a regular gathering of people in support of Ukraine in George Square. The war in Ukraine is a disaster for the people of Ukraine and a terrible threat to us all, including increasing the danger of nuclear war. We have to work together to oppose the Russian invasion and call for the immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops.  

The Home Office response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been slow and it has thrown every possible bureaucratic blockade in the path of refugees. It is placing unnecessary barriers in the way of people fleeing the most desperate situation imaginable. The visa requirement should be waived immediately.

Community activities at Braeside Community Garden

Local children and families in North Kelvin are benefiting from the facilities at Braeside Community Garden on Maryhill Road. There are raised beds for children to engage in gardening activities alongside communal garden space and a woodland area.

Use of pallets for fencing around the garden

Artwork within the garden area.

Support for artists and designers. 

In the coming months, there are plans for regular community events including a local makers market on the 1st Saturday of each month. 

Celebration at Children's Wood

Last weekend, I visited the Children's Wood to join the celebrations for the signing of a 25 year lease for the land. This is significant progress after many years of campaigning to protect this vital area. I have always supported this land being protected as open space, not for housing development.

Children's Wood Banner

View of the wooded area used as a forest school 

Food growing spaces

View of the North Kelvin Meadow and Children's Wood

Local schools, nurseries and families across Hillhead have highlighted the importance of this space for their activities as well as the wider community's health and wellbeing.  Thanks to everyone involved in supporting the process to secure this lease agreement.

Gathering to enjoy the tree blossom

Over the last few weeks, people have been enjoying the tree blossom across Hillhead. Many people have been gathering under the trees at Kelvingrove Park.

View of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Tree blossom in the sunshine

People meet friends under the tree blossom.

I have received enquiries from residents interested in supporting a blossom festival to bring people together in our public parks to celebrate the start of Spring.