It's here! Issue 18: All Things Digital
Issue 18 is here, Govanhill's reactions to Supreme Court hearing, the collectives transforming trad music, Kingarth Lane community gathering, children's cooking cafe and much more.
Dear Readers,
I feel a little bit like a broken record – “it was only a matter of time before we covered X topic” – but it’s true! The digital world has been one, like many past magazine themes, affecting us at an accelerating rate. The topic had been floating around for a while so when it was suggested for this issue, we concluded issue 18 would be – All Things Digital – natch.
While the topic was locked in, it was also decided that one person, the founder of Greater Govanhill, Rhiannon, was going to be taking a step back. Not moving on entirely, but beginning to divide her time between Greater Govanhill and an exciting new venture, Greater Community Media, which aims to help other communities build their own media project. This meant that I would be taking the reins on this issue in a way I hadn’t quite before. It’s been busy, as it has been rewarding.
In the spirit of resisting the noise of the digital age, we’ve stayed true to our roots: slowing down, stepping away from sensationalised headlines, and making space for thoughtful, intentional storytelling. In a media landscape where print is increasingly rare, its ability to cut through still matters – and this issue is proof of that.
It’s been a pleasure to work alongside contributors, old and new, to create an issue that speaks to the lives of our readers in both direct and subtle ways. Most importantly, you’ll find stories that grant you a window into people’s experiences that aren’t readily platformed in the mainstream media.
There’s plenty we couldn’t squeeze into print, so do keep an eye on our website. But what you’ll find in these pages is rich with authenticity, relevance and care – everything Greater Govanhill stands for. From diving into the harms of surveillance, to multi-generational reflections on AI, and a personal exploration of the impact of advertising on our environment. There’s also a look at how our local community is portrayed online.
I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have.
With warmth,
Samar
The latest from the website…
Govanhill community reacts to UK Supreme Court decision on gender
The UK Supreme Court’s ruling that legal definitions of “man” and “woman” are based on biological sex has sparked fierce debate across Scotland. Trans advocates, politicians, community groups and legal experts warn the decision oversimplifies complex realities, putting trans people at risk of exclusion from essential spaces and services. Now that the dust has began to settle, what’s in-store for the future of gender reform in Scotland?
From community gardens to sustainable coffee: Govanhill projects win funding for local research
Grassroots initiatives based in Govanhill have received over £10,000 in funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Williamson Trust to support local, sustainable solutions, from greener coffee choices to children’s nature play and urban gardening.
The Govanhill music collectives transforming traditional music
Rebecca W Morris catches up with Ben Vardi from Duende and Anna, Lili and Joel from How Serene to talk about breathing life into old forms of traditional music, and how the local trad music revival aims to bring people of all backgrounds together.
Building trust: learning lessons from nature
When nature took the lead in restoring a Czech wetland, a colony of beavers accomplished what years of planning couldn’t. Their instinctive, collaborative work offers a metaphor for how communities thrive when trusted and supported.
The latest around the neighbourhood…
Kingarth Lane community gathering 11 May
Join the Kingarth Lane Residents Group and Kin Kitchen for their 3rd Community Meal on the Lane! Bring a dish, bring a chair and share a joyful day on the lane. There'll be a fun seeding and pot-decorating workshop for kids, plus plenty of great food and good company.
Children’s cooking café coming to Govanhill
The Weans’ Scran & Kitchin, a children’s cooking café is coming soon to Glasgow’s Southside. Annette Fisher, Govanhill resident and Newsroom co-worker, has set up the children’s cooking cafe to help inspire a love and curiosity about food and cooking for children. They’re starting with a range of pop-ups at Milk Community and at Merry-Go-Round over the next 3 months. Follow them on weansscrankitchin for updates.
More trees to be planted in Govanhill
The Creative Canopy is a new Govanhill Baths civic arts project transforming urban spaces into living artworks through tree planting, creativity, and community care. Over the next three years, 780 fruit and nut trees will be planted in backcourts, gardens, schools, and shared spaces – co-created with local residents. Launched in one of Scotland’s least green neighbourhoods, the initiative goes beyond greening the area. It aims to boost environmental awareness, support community wellbeing, and promote climate justice, all rooted in collective stewardship and long-term care.
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