Springtime in the Southside: Exhibition openings, local re-openings and much more
We visit Riverside Museum's new lascars display, more from the gambling harms series and info on the latest openings in Govanhill
Hello,
This time last week – much like this week – I was scampering between emails, tweaking articles for the next issue, shuffling the flatplan, and adjusting my screen in a desperate bid to see everything at once and make it all slot neatly into place. I should have accepted by now: editing a magazine never quite works like that.
Between edits, I remembered I’d said yes to an invite from the Riverside Museum for the opening of their latest display. I was tempted to send my regards and power through the to-do list. But magazine-making might be special – still, so are opportunities like this. This one felt especially worth grabbing: a new display about the ‘Lascars, the forgotten South Asian seafarers of the British Empire’.
So, I carried my bike down the stairs, hopped on, and pedalled over to the Riverside Museum. I swung past the Science Centre and up across the Govan-Partick bridge (a top-tier addition to Glasgow’s pedestrian landscape, if you ask me).
I wandered through the old cars and bicycles before arriving at the new exhibit. It’s artistically stunning and an important acknowledgement of the South Asian communities’ early connections to Britain. Below, you’ll find Kulsum’s article on the opening, written far more in depth. It’s a reminder
This week, I’m hunkered down in the newsroom, editing away with Devon and coordinating our cover shoot with our picture desk, Iain and Laura (where would we be without them!). In this week’s newsletter, we’re also continuing our important series on gambling harms – offering insight into an issue that “thrives in plain sight.”
Until next week, here’s hoping the sunny weather sticks around (probably not sadly).
- Samar
Latest from our website…
Lascars – Forgotten Seafarers: brought to life
Unveiling the untold story of the lascar sailors, Glasgow Museums' latest exhibition immerses visitors in the seafaring legacy of South Asian men who shaped Britain's maritime past. Through a community-led research project, 3D-printed figurines, and a vivid film installation, this display offers a powerful tribute to these overlooked seafarers, inviting reflection on their enduring impact.
'Govanhill: A Community Film Portrait' is now available on YouTube
Filmmaker Felipe Bustos Sierra premiered his short film 'Govanhill: A Community Film Portrait' at the GSFF last year. Now, a year later, the full film has been released on YouTube, allowing free, open access to his work.
Seeds of Addiction: unpacking the systemic exploitation of young gamers
Gambling harms thrive in plain sight, especially in less affluent communities like Govanhill. With bookmakers on every corner and addictive mechanics embedded in video games, the seeds of addiction are planted early, often in the lives of vulnerable young people. Eva O’Donovan unpacks the systemic exploitation and the hidden struggles of those caught in its grip, shedding light on the urgent need for change.
Who’s doing it better? How other countries are tackling gambling advertising
The UK lags behind the rest of Europe on gambling advertising regulation while other countries are limiting their impact. Kate Samuels examines approaches taken in three different countries and explores what the UK can learn to better protect vulnerable communities and reduce gambling-related harm.
What I’ve Learned as a Female Gambling Addict
“My first memory of gambling was popping into the local bookies on Grand National day aged 18 to lay an each-way bet for me and my mum…It was a man’s world, but I still recall the buzz of placing a potential winner and the desire to come back to collect my winnings after the race. It was like the die was cast.”
Dealing with the shame: Growing up in a South Asian household affected by gambling harms
“Within South Asian culture, gambling has always been a taboo subject. If you are from a Muslim family it's even more unheard of. Just as with alcohol and drugs, it is prohibited in the Qur’an…The taboo of gambling within South Asian culture has meant my family still can’t get the support they need.”
The latest from the neighbourhood…
Meltdown’s grand re-reopening
Located on Victoria Road, the deli serving sandwiches and baked potatoes was buzzing when it opened last year. Customers were left confused when they suddenly closed their doors for renovations. Meltdown has now announced they’ll be reopening on 12 April. Their Instagram posts hint at a new layout but not much else yet.
Queer Lives: Glasgow’s Southside + Stories
Glasgow’s Southside + Stories (GSS) documents the barriers faced by individuals in LGBT+ communities and highlights “past struggles, celebrating positive achievements to address barriers, and to recognise where barriers still exist and, hopefully, provide insights into how these may be overcome in the near future.” Their latest work has documented oral histories from people in the LGBT+ community in the Southside and beyond.
Coffee shop, Zennor to move in Two Eight Seven old haunt
In other hospitality news, Zennor is taking over the former Two Eight Seven space on Langside Road, which closed in November. Moving from Dennistoun, the coffee shop owners of Zennor announced they’ve been renovating the space and will be soft-launching on Saturday, 19 April.
MILK Opens Their Doors for the Easter Holidays
MILK Community’s Easter Holiday Hangout is now in full swing! Running weekdays from 10am–2pm until 18 April, the free drop-in sessions offer crafts, games, snacks, stories and more. No booking needed – just pop in and join the fun. All ages welcome (under 12s have to accompanied with an adult).
Join our Whatsapp Community 📱
Join Greater Govanhill’s new WhatsApp community for the latest neighbourhood news, updates from us, and early access to article briefs if you’re a writer. Stay informed without the endless scrolling – it’s a space to read, not chat. Scan the QR code or follow the link to join.
We’re learning so much about your local community! Wish we could visit the lascars exhibition. 🙌🏽