The tree is up, the lights are twinkling and our festive issue is out
Done your Christmas shopping yet? Check out our local gift guide, get tips on staying warm, find out new openings, and all the latest news and events around Govanhill
I hope enjoyed the snow at the weekend as much as I did! It feels like it hasn’t snowed like that in a while (who can forget that lockdown winter when the Queens Park pond fully froze over), so it was great to have some proper winter life instead of just grey and drizzling.
It seems very apt that our festive issue started to hit local shops, cafes, hairdressers, pubs over the weekend.
It is packed full of articles to get you in the festive spirit and some special features for this issue like a cut out card by local illustrator Fiona Gibson and an independent, local, ethical gift guide.
If you are a member, the issue should have arrived by now. For all you other lovely subscribers be sure to head out to pick one up as you shop local this festive time. Or become a member to get one sent to to you.
Jack
PS Members, you should have received an invite to our mulled wine and mince pies party next week. If you’re a regular member, contributor, volunteer and you’d like to come - just get in touch for the details.
If you like what we do, can you afford to support Greater Govanhill by becoming a member today for just a few quid each month?
We are non-profit grassroots organisation and the more members we have, the more we can become sustainable.
News from around the neighbourhood…
🌹A wild flower garden will be built in honour of the deceased Moira Jones in Queen’s Park. Glasgow City Council have granted permission to build a wild flower garden for Moira Jones, who was sadly murdered in Queen’s Park in 2008. Moira’s Forget-Me-Not Memorial project is accepting donations for the garden here.🌹
🎭 Big Noise Govanhill performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra over the weekend. The local young orchestra teamed up with the RSNO to perform special piece they helped to create with composer Penny Stone, arr. by Seonaid Aitken called 'We Make A Big Noise'. 🎭
🚈 From December 7 the Cathcart Circle line route will run hourly Scotrail has announced. The route which starts and finishes at Glasgow Central passes through Pollokshields West and Shawlands before swinging round to Crosshill and Queen’s Park. This will double the amount of trains passing through Pollokshields West and mean getting across Queens Park during the winter months will be much easier. 🚈
📹 Glasgow City Council has announced that Govanhill will see more CCTV cameras installed. The Council say that this will be to monitor flytipping and other crimes in the area.📹
🎨 Komplex Gallery has announced the grand opening of its new gallery shop, set in the heart of a 1900s bakery. The gallery is a dedicated venue for modern and contemporary artworks. You'll discover something for everyone in stock, catering to both enthusiasts and first-time collectors, as well as offering simple gifts for all occasions.🎨
💃 ⚽️ 🥁The Govanhill Baths are trialling some new activities as part of their winter Wellbeing Programme. These include: Self Defence; Dancing; Football; Drumming. All Wellbeing programme activities are FREE and open to anyone living within a mile of Govanhill that is not currently working (or is on low income), or receiving benefits and is not in full-time education. Refugees and asylum-seekers are welcome to attend from anywhere in the city.💃 ⚽️ 🥁
The latest from our website…
Fuel Poverty Action Demand Scottish Power Ban 'Harmful' Prepayment Meters
On December 1 Fuel Poverty Action, alongside activists from Extinction Rebellion and Unite the Union members, held a peaceful demonstration outside the Scottish Power building, to call for a ban on the forced instalment of ‘harmful’ prepayment meters.
Glasgow Foodbanks Under Pressure: The Growing Challenge of Food Insecurity
Greater Govanhill is part of the Scotland-wide collaborative, The Scottish Beacon. Together, partners reported on food bank use in their areas. In Govanhill, we heard how demand is increasing as donations decrease.
A Powerful Exploration of Self Identity: No Single Track
Shanine Gallagher’s latest film, No Single Track, is a powerful exploration of her mixed identity. At The Community Newsroom, we had an exclusive screening of the film where the filmmaker shared more about her journey.
Arts and Culture: Locals on Locals
For this issue, we asked residents to send in reviews of their favourite artists and writers working and living in Govanhill. Hopefully, you can find your next obsession.
Style Icon: Khadeja Imtiaz
In our latest issue, our style icon segment featured Khadeja Imtiaz, owner of Al-Jannat, one of the largest South Asian clothing stores in the Southside.
Our Festive Gift Guide
Stuff for ideas this Christmas? Pick up our magazine or visit our online gift guide.
