Author: adownie (Page 8 of 8)

Bin Rakers No More

Bin Raker

You may have noticed the increased presence, and persistence, of the bin rakers of late. In my case, I am fed up of rebagging my rubbish every fortnight before the binmen come, especially when it gets ripped open again during the night. However things reached a nadir last week when I left an electrical cable running out under my garage door for the use of a builder working in the back lane. The rakers cut the cable at both ends and made off with 20m of electrical cable, value probably little more than 50p. In doing so they pulled as much cable under the door as they could, ripping the electrical socket off the wall and leaving mains cabling dangling dangerously in my garage, and cost the builder £20 – it was his cable.

It is time to fight back, albeit legally. I have spoken to the police at Gorbals Police Station (in particular PC Ali Martin) who are aware of the problem, and are keen to identify the culprits. While they are planning plain clothes patrols in the lanes in the next few weeks, we can also help. We need to do more than just move them along, and if you do not wish to intervene, call the police on 101 (the new non emergency number, not 999) immediately. If they have someone free they will come round and try to catch them in the act.

If you feel more proactive, the issue is one of identification; this is best achieved by two collaborating witnesses, and photographic evidence to identify the individual. I almost got a photo of the protagonists last week and regret not doing so. While I have sympathy for those less fortunate than ourselves, it stops when they begin causing criminal damage, and this needs to be nipped in the bud. Happy snapping, but of course, no taking the law into your own hands. It just isn’t the Bungo way.

Strathbungo – The Fabric of Heritage

This article about Strathbungo touches all the usual bases; the history, the architecture, conservation, parking, the back lanes, the railings, the role of the Strathbungo Society, artwork for the roundabout, and perhaps most topical of all as it happens, the effect of HMOs and guest houses on the quality of life in Strathbungo. The only thing it doesn’t seem to mention is the bins!

And the best bit? It appeared in Scottish Field magazine, thirty five years ago. Plus ça change. It was written by the eminent Scottish poet & journalist Maurice Lindsay, who passed away aged 90 in 2008. It contains several historical items of note that were new to me. Happy reading.

The Fabric of Heritage

The Fabric of Heritage p1, Scottish Field Jan 1977

The Fabric of Heritage

The Fabric of Heritage p2, Scottish Field Jan 1977

Thanks to Marie for finding and providing the article. I would love to hear from anyone else who can add their own reminiscences of days gone by in Strathbungo, and add to our burgeoning history collection.

Ref: Maurice Lindsay Obituary

Bygone Bungo

http://www.theglasgowstory.com/searchq.php?qsearch=strathbungo

Bygone Bungo, from TheGlasgowStory.com

Ever wondered about the history of the area where you live, or who lived in your house before you?

We are looking to collect together all those interested in local history, to compile a more complete record of the history and development of Strathbungo and the surrounding area.

If you are interested in contributing, please get in touch. We are looking for those with suggestions for research, or wanting help with their own projects, those with stories to tell, with old deeds to local properties, or those willing to help transcribe old records.

As a starter, we are compiling a database of local properties, who built them, when, and who lived there subsequently. We already know of Greek Thomson, Rennie Mackintosh, other architects, miltary men & footballers (one who was all three), ministers, doctors, and a secret service agent. We would be particularly interested in those who still have the deeds for their properties, who know of notable former residents, or have any old photos of the area. We hope to make the database available on the Society website in due course.

If you have anything to offer, wish to get involved, or have any other queries related to local history, please get in touch.

Andrew Downie
52 Marywood Square
adownie@doctors.org.uk

Anyone Remember Milkmen?

Doorstep deliveriesI am just old enough to remember doorstep milk deliveries as a child. In particular there was my first attempt at catching a burglar with a tripwire and car hubcap, which only served to give the milkman a near heart attack the next morning. I’ve never quite recovered from the guilt.

Well, apparently, milkmen are back. McQueens Dairies have recently started a milk delivery service in the Strathbungo area. They currently deliver around 7am on Mondays and Thursdays, with the usual range, including organic milk.

If you are interested in this service, you can contact McQueens on 0141 332 9608 or at info@mcqueensdairies.co.uk. Their website (www.mcqueensdairies.co.uk) needs a bit of work though.

I have no financial interest in McQueens, and as the BBC never tires of saying “There are other milk delivery options available.” I understand a more local dairy, Youngs Dairy of G42 also deliver in the area, and have done so for some years. I have no information on their service but they can be contacted on 0141 632 2578.

Mind you, neither of them are listed as delivering to Strathbungo at www.findmeamilkman.net, and nor is anyone else.

So, as with any local community service like this, use it or lose it. Just look out for Humphrey (now I am showing my age).

Newer posts »