Why I hid in a cupboard at the Glasgow Garden Festival
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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