A walk in the Park

This afternoon, I enjoyed a walk through Kelvingrove Park to the Snow Bridge which has been undergoing repairs. The works have been completed and so, I was able to walk across the bridge and look out across the River Kelvin.

Looking across the Snow Bridge

View of the Snow Bridge, River Kelvin and Glasgow University.

This is a vital access route for walkers and cyclists to/from the University. I am very glad that funding has been made available to carry out the vital repairs to the Snow Bridge.

Great Scottish Run 10K

Today, I participated in the Great Scottish Run and completed the 10K. I ran alongside the oldest runner who was 93 years old!

It was perfect weather for jogging across the city from George Square to Glasgow Green. Many thanks to the organisers, volunteers and the musicians on the route.

International Car Free Day 2018

Yesterday, International Car Free Day was celebrated with the closure of Kelvin Way between 12 noon and 6pm. People gathered together to take part in various street games, bike projects and outdoor activities.

 Signage on Kelvin Way

 Bikes available to try out.

 Space for climbing wall, face painting, dancing, 

walking and cycling activities.

Road closure started at the bridge on Kelvin Way.

The sunshine encouraged people to come along and develop their cycling skills or enjoy playing in the street. Due to the success of this event, it is hoped to continue street play events involving local bike projects and outdoor activity groups across the city.

Tree damage by Storm Ali

I walked through Kelvingrove Park on Friday afternoon and found seven routes blocked by fallen trees. There is extensive damage to trees due to the high winds of Storm Ali. A clean up of the debris is underway with paths being opened up.

 Trees blocking routes through Kelvingrove Park.

A tree survey will be needed to identify the number and types of trees damaged by the storm. In the long-term, tree planting will be required to replace some trees that have been uprooted.

Macmillan at Glasgow Libraries

This month, there are coffee mornings taking place to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. I dropped in to the coffee morning held at the Mitchell Library, last Friday. There were various information stalls and displays about cancer for reference. 

Further information about coffee mornings is available at: https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk/about/why/ 

Kelvingrove Park Walk Poster at the Mitchell Library.

There are weekly walks organised by Macmillan Cancer Support. Every Saturday, a walking group meets at the Mitchell Library and takes a walk to Kelvingrove Park. Further information about health walks are available at: www.goodmoveglasgow.com

Suffragette connections to Hillhead

On Friday, I visited the Suffragette exhibition at the Mitchell Library to discover more about the campaigning to enable women to vote. I found amongst the records that in 1902, the Glasgow & West of Scotland Association for Women's Suffrage met for the first time in the home of founding chair, Mrs Greig (Jessie Turnbull Thomson) at 18 Lynedoch Crescent. 

View of 18 Lynedoch Crescent.

In July 1914, Dorothea Chalmers Smith was caught trying to burn down an empty property at 6 Park Gardens with leading suffragist Ethel Moorhead. At their trial held in Glasgow's High Court, hundreds of campaigners looked on and threw apples at the judge when the activists were sentenced to eight months in prison each. Both women went on hunger strike.

View of 6 Park Gardens.

Also, suffragettes organised from 70 St. Georges Road where there was a meeting place of the Women's Freedom League, who believed in non-violent protest.

There is a pop-up display of items from Special Collections telling the story of women’s suffrage in Glasgow at the Mitchell Library until 25th January 2019.

Recovery Walk in Glasgow

On Saturday, 15th September, I took part in the Recovery Walk 2018 which was held in Glasgow. The event began with a memorial ceremony for people's loved ones who have lost their lives through alcohol, drugs and mental ill health. Flowers were placed in the River Clyde to remember their lives.

 View of flowers in the river.

Information is available from Scottish Recovery Network at https://www.scottishrecovery.net/

The Recovery Walk involved groups from all over Scotland in a walk through the city centre, starting and finishing at Glasgow Green.

This annual walk is a celebration for people in recovery from addiction along with their families and friends, but it also offers hope to those still struggling with addiction. The Recovery Network is seeking more resources to support people recovering from addictions. The next walk takes place in Inverness in mid-September 2019.

Doors Open Day at Napiershall Street.

This year, for Doors Open Day, I visited the Napiershall Street Centre which is a three storey sandstone former school building which has been converted in to office and studio spaces. It is operated by City Property. An informative exhibition and tour of the building was organised by the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council who occupy offices in the building. 

View of main hallway with glass covered atrium.

Plaque to commemorate the first headteacher.

View of the Napiershall Street Centre in Woodside.

Former pupils of the school shared their memories and evidence from the archives, including old photos of the interior, was showcased for Doors Open Day. Thanks to everyone who supported this celebration of local history.