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Why I hid in a cupboard at the Glasgow Garden Festival

Why I hid in a cupboard at the Glasgow Garden Festival

Glasgow Times17-07-2025
I spent my breaks in a cupboard in the house, the only place to try and get a moment's peace, both from the constant screaming of the folk on the Coca Cola rollercoaster right outside and from the visitors who left no door unopened or item uninspected.
We gave out packets of "We're Blooming Good!" seeds free to every visitor but that did not stop them helping themselves to plants from the gardens. The worst culprits were the parties from various church women's guilds who, armed with nail scissors, would "help themselves" to cuttings from every plant leaving the gardens decimated and in need of replanting every morning by our gardeners.
The opening of the Glasgow Garden Festival (Image: Newsquest)
When Margaret Thatcher was making an official visit the entire site was closed to the public for fear of protests against her, such was her unpopularity in Scotland.
I went round the site at lunchtime to listen to choirs, look round the other exhibits and gardens and buy some souvenirs. There truly was something for everyone. The rotunda building was used as a restaurant with a statue of Eros in the centre. The bandstand from Overtoun Park in Rutherglen was used for many of the entertainments.
Old friends not seen for years were met again. Old bosses too and Glasgow councillors aplenty. A young couple even spent the afternoon of their wedding there.
We were issued with t-shirts proclaiming the slogan "We're Bloomin' Good!" which did, as can be imagine, result in a few comments …
A highlight was when I met some of the trade union stalwarts from Upper Clyde Shipbuilders having fun posing for pictures, which I was happy to take for them and thrilled to meet them.
Dorothy Connor, Rutherglen
Anniesland Cross, c1935 with public conveniences at far right (Image: Glasgow City Archives)
Fond memories of Anniesland Cross
I enjoyed your article about Anniesland Cross (Glasgow Times, June 28, 2025).
I used to cycle from Milngavie to Scotstoun shipyard where I was an apprentice. Even then it was a busy intersection.
I recall a day when the fog was so thick I had to guide the bus through the cross on my bicycle. I also remember the Great Western Road was white in colour and the German bombers used that section of road to guide them on to Clydebank.
I'm 91 years old but I can still recall those days. I lived in New Zealand and now stay in Canada. have been very fortunate throughout my life. I still love Scotland.
Arthur Mee, Canada
Drumchapel in the 1950s (Image: Eric Flack)
Flushing toilet was a highlight for young family
Your feature on Drumchapel brought back memories.
In 1955, we moved from Bridgeton to 15 Airgold Drive on May 19, my fifth birthday. We had never seen a flushing toilet before.
My sister and I put everything we could fit in to the dunny and flushed just to see it disappear.
We went to Camus Place Primary the Kingsridge High. Happy days indeed.
James Bryden, Glasgow
Every day, we receive emails and letters from readers keen to share their memories of Glasgow. If you'd like to send us your stories and photos, email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.
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Dawn Steele on the 'daunting' prospect of her Fringe debut
Dawn Steele on the 'daunting' prospect of her Fringe debut

The Herald Scotland

time2 hours ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Dawn Steele on the 'daunting' prospect of her Fringe debut

She is about to make her debut appearance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a play which will also mark her return to the stage for the first time in more than a decade. Read more: The actress says the chance to appear in the play came at 'the right time,' ahead of her 50th birthday later this year, at a time when she was affected by the downturn in Britain's TV drama industry. It will also realise her growing ambitions to become part of the Fringe after attending numerous shows with friends in recent years and a desire to return to the stage. Dawn Steele will be appearing in the Fringe play Skye at Summerhall. (Image: Supplied) Steele is preparing to play a number of characters in Skye, a chilling family mystery, set on the Hebridean island of the same name 30 years ago. She will be taking centre stage in the debut play by award-winning author and Fringe producer Ellie Keel. Dawn Steele has been most recently seen on screen in the crime drama Granite Harbour. (Image: Newsquest) Steele will be starring opposite fellow Glaswegian James Robinson, who played the young William Wallace in Braveheart, in Skye, part of Summerhall's Fringe theatre programme. The play will be Steele's first stage work since she appeared in the comedy thriller A Perfect Murder, an adaptation of the best-selling Peter James novel, in 2014. Previous roles included the John Byrne plays Cuttin' a Rug and Tutti Frutti, the latter with the National Theatre of Scotland and David Harrower. Speaking to The Herald during a break in rehearsals, Steele said: 'I've not done any theatre for quite a long time. 'It's not really been a choice, but is just the way it's worked out. I'd love to do more theatre, but I just don't get asked. 'I was sent this play by my agent as Ellie, the writer, wanted to hear it read out loud before. She has produced a lot of theatre but this is her first play. 'When I read it, I did think: 'If they ask me to do this, I'm going to have to say yes.' 'In a way, I was scared. I thought 'I hope they don't ask me to do this. It's very wordy, it's a two-hander and I'll be on stage for a whole hour.' 'But I was just really compelled by the script. It felt quite magical to me.' Skye focuses on the main character of Annie and her siblings after they see a ghostly vision of their father on a beach four years after this death. Steele said: 'The play is about an incident that happened on Skye when the children were young, which changes the course of their lives. Annie retells the story with the help of her brother Brawn. 'I don't want to give too much away, but I would say it's a cross between a ghost story and a thriller. 'It's ultimately about memory, how it plays tricks on you, particularly in a family context, and what people hold onto. 'When I read the script I got a real feeling for it and I really loved the character of Annie. I thought she would be a real challenge to play. 'A big part of the appeal is that it's going to be on at the Fringe, which I've been to a lot with friends over the last few years. 'Everything we saw last year was really good. I do remember thinking: 'I would really like to do something here.' When you see really good theatre you want to be up there.' Keel is bringing Skye to the Fringe after producing a number of previous plays at the festival, including Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz and The Last Show Before We Die. She made her name as an author last year with debut novel The Four, about a group of boarding school students bound by a chilling secret. Steele said: 'It feels daunting doing this play because I've not done theatre for a while, but it's not like I've never done theatre before. I've done a lot. "The last two-hander I did was Blackbird, which was pretty daunting. With anything that is a two-hander or a solo show it is pretty exposing. It was also a very challenging play. I remember thinking: 'Oh my god, I'm never going to get through it.' Before I knew it we were touring it around the country. 'The thought of doing new writing at the festival really appealed to me. It's been really interesting and challenging. We've been changing stuff on a daily basis. It's been a bit like doing stuff with John Byrne. The play has changed quite a lot, but for the better. 'I'm so used to TV, where the script is the script, and that is it. Theatre is much more collaborative than TV. There's more of a process. It's not just a case of turning up and doing your lines. 'It feels like this has come into my life at the right time. I'm going to be 50 later this year. It's going to be a real challenge, but I want to be challenged and I'm really prepared to take this on, because I feel I can do it. I'm jumping in head first. 'Were doing the play in a room with 140 seats. I won't have played in front of such a small crowd since I was in my mum and dad's living room. 'All of those things are quite scary, but it's also why I want to do it. It's getting me back into the rehearsal room and doing what I really loved in the first place about acting before I got into TV. I obviously love working in TV, but it is very different. Theatre and TV are two very different beasts." Steele, who has previously starred in Hoby City, Wild at Heart and River City, has been seen on screen most recently in the crime dramas Shetland and Granite Harbour, with filming due to get underway on the next series of the latter shortly after the Fringe. However Steele admitted she jumped at the chance to return to the stage after her quietest ever spell for TV work recently. Steele said: 'I've worked my whole career. I've not stopped. I know I've been really lucky. 'But it's been really quiet recently. A lot of actors are not working at the moment. It is a bit of a buyer's market. People can pick and choose who they want. 'There is less money around. People are being very picky about what is getting made. There is just less getting made and there is less work. It just filters down. 'I'm not doing the play because I was desperate for work. I'm doing it because I really like the play. 'If there isn't a lot of work on the ground, when something comes along that makes me sit up and think 'this is really good' I'd be stupid not to do it.' To purchase tickets for the Fringe, please click here

I tried Glasgow's new rooftop bar and restaurant, my verdict
I tried Glasgow's new rooftop bar and restaurant, my verdict

Glasgow Times

time15 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

I tried Glasgow's new rooftop bar and restaurant, my verdict

Glasgow already boasts several great spots for sipping cocktails while watching the sun set over the skyline, including the Red Sky Bar in Finnieston, House of Gods in Merchant City and Kong in the city centre - just to mention a few. And last night, I went along to the newest addition to the scene, SíSí. My friend and I were invited to have a look around ahead of the official opening on August 1. I tried Glasgow's new rooftop bar and restaurant, my verdict (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Our table (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: Glasgow's newest rooftop bar and restaurant to open soon The venue is located at the top of The Social Hub, just off Argyle Street and we were filled with excitement taking the rainbow-coloured elevator up to the eighth floor. Upon arrival, we were shown to our table next to a huge window, already providing a unique angle of Glasgow below us. But the real star of the evening was the rooftop, complete with tables and comfortable chairs. The spacious area was beautifully lit up as the sun set behind us - great timing on our part. Below, we could see the People's Palace, Glasgow Green, all along Argyle Street and Central Station form a truly unique point of view. Airmale and Cherry Paloma (Image: Newsquest) Papa dorata and baja hake (golden potato and panko hake) (Image: Newsquest) Tostada de cancrejo (white crab) (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: I visited a hidden Glasgow gem - it was a European summer dream After a wee wander outside, we sat down to enjoy our meal. SíSí serves Mexican-American inspired sharing plates paired with craft cocktails. We ordered seven dishes between us, including the excellent guacamole with chips, scallops, crab, a beef brisket tortilla dish and my personal favourite - the flautas. This is a vegetarian meal made of a fried corn tortilla stuffed with pumpkin, kale, queso oaxaca, crema and salsa macha. It was excellent and very filling. The plates were beautifully presented, light and delicious. What impressed me mostly was how well-seasoned the food was. Ceviche verde (scallops) (Image: Newsquest) Churros and mezcal cranachan (Image: Newsquest) Rooftop view (Image: Newsquest) READ NEXT: I tried this Glasgow restaurant days before it closes The scallops, specifically, were very flavourful in a brine made with verdita, olives, avocado and pumpkin seeds. To drink, we tried four cocktails between us: the Cherry Paloma, the Airmail, the Trouble in Paradise and Coco Maiz. They were all great, but if I had to highlight one of them, the Cherry Paloma was the perfect amount of fruity and smoky. If I could do it all over again, I would order that and not let my friend pick it first, leaving me with only a couple of sips of goodness. We even had space for dessert, mezcal cranachan for me and churros for my dining partner. Overall, I enjoyed our time very much at SíSí, I only wish the weather had been a bit warmer and drier for the occasion. During the next heatwave, you will know where to find me.

Megan McKenna reveals shocking call from Simon Cowell and what he told her
Megan McKenna reveals shocking call from Simon Cowell and what he told her

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Megan McKenna reveals shocking call from Simon Cowell and what he told her

Megan McKenna says becoming a mum has brought her confidence and joy as she builds a new life with husband Oliver Burke and their baby son Megan McKenna says motherhood has given her a new sense of freedom and confidence as she enjoys life with husband Oliver Burke and their nine-month-old son Landon. ‌ The 32-year-old, who rose to fame through reality TV shows like The Only Way Is Essex and Ex on the Beach, is now better known for her powerful vocals and popular recipe videos, Mirror reports. ‌ Having tied the knot with footballer Oliver, 28, in June, the Essex-born star now divides her time between the UK and Berlin, where her husband plays for German Bundesliga club Union Berlin. ‌ 'Motherhood has definitely made me more free,' Megan said during an exclusive interview with OK! at The Shard in London. 'I don't worry about the little things any more. As a mum, you have the most amazing gift already, so everything else is fine.' The visit to London marked her first performance since becoming a mother, as she joined Grammy-winning songwriter Toby Gad, best known for Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry, for a live show that also featured Paloma Faith. Megan performed alongside Toby, singing the iconic ballad, while her proud parents watched from the front row. ‌ 'I took a break from music for obvious reasons and I moved to Berlin, so I've had a lot on my plate,' she said. 'But to be honest, I took a break because I don't like doing things half-heartedly. I'm very passionate about what I do, so I want to do it properly.' Megan has been building a music career since winning The X Factor: Celebrity in 2019. Her original song This went straight to number one on iTunes and entered the UK Official Charts. ‌ The heartfelt ballad is now widely used in social media videos for engagement and pregnancy announcements, including Megan's own announcement in April last year, which followed fertility struggles. 'I hear my song all the time and get tagged in so many videos using it. It's really lovely,' she said. 'I would say definitely The X Factor helped with people realising that I've grown up a lot. ‌ "People realised that I can actually write music. I'm not just a singer who sings karaoke. I actually write from the heart and I think that's why I won The X Factor because all my songs are inspired by my own stories.' Her music journey has not been without challenges. Megan revealed that after her win, Simon Cowell's label, which was supposed to support her next steps, closed down. 'The label shut down after I won, so it was pretty hard. It was tough because I'd worked so, so hard,' she said. 'But Simon and I had a nice relationship. ‌ "He actually rang me, which was crazy, because it's not every day Simon Cowell rings you, to say that the label was closing down. He was really nice about it and said, 'I'm sorry, but you need to find a new home.' But it's not an easy thing to do.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Still, Megan is optimistic about returning to the music scene, now that her son is a little older. 'Thankfully, times are changing and you don't need a record label to release music, so hopefully it will be easier.' ‌ Beyond music, Megan has also carved out a niche as a cook, with millions of fans watching her prepare recipes online. Her cookbook, which became a Sunday Times bestseller, has cemented her status as a culinary talent. 'I love cooking. It's so natural to me. I just prop my phone up and film while I'm doing it,' she said. 'Most of the time, I look horrendous! "I always think afterwards, 'Gosh, maybe I should try and put on some lipstick,' but then it gets to the end of the day and I'm like, 'Nah, that's impossible!'' She laughed, adding: 'I love cooking, I love singing, I love Landon and I love Ollie. That's all I need, really.'

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