
Volunteer Spotlight: David Baumann
From competitive swimmer to community archivist, David Baumann has spent a lifetime at Govanhill Baths. In this Volunteer Spotlight, he shares memories of the Zenith Swimming Club and his ongoing work with the Baths' Archive and Heritage project.
Bona Parle!
Discover how Polari became a vital tool for the LGBTQ+ community to communicate safely during times of severe repression. This fascinating language, with its blend of cultural and multilingual influences, remains a symbol of queer resilience and resistance.
Stories from Our Streets: Langside Road
In Stories from our Streets: Langside Road, local historian Bruce Downie traces the street’s fascinating history — from its origins and the impact of wartime bombings to its architectural landmarks and the architects that built them.
Unearthing History: Fossil found at The Hidden Gardens
When looking for hidden historical details in our built environment, we're often told to look up in Glasgow, but a new discovery at the Hidden Gardens suggests it might be worth looking down instead.
Queen’s Park Glasshouse Proposed Refurbishment
While the animals once housed in the iconic Queen’s Park Glasshouse won’t be returning—much to the disappointment of many local residents and visitors—the question remains: what changes do residents hope to see now that the Glasshouse is set to be refurbished due to concerns about its structural integrity?
'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.
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.
Romane Phenia Sar Jag So Phabol: Roma Sisters are the Burning Fires
On Saturday Romano Lav launched an exhibition with a powerful fashion show this international Women’s Day, to celebrate Roma women, their contributions to family, work and their cultural traditions.
‘Women of Donegal’ will be projected onto The Community Newsroom window for one night only this Saturday
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a powerful exhibition in the Community Newsroom window, featuring archival images of Donegal women. The projection highlights their migration story, strength, and impact across borders – including here in Govanhill.
Celebrating International Women’s Day in the Southside
This Saturday marks the beginning of International Women’s Day celebrations, over the next week there are a number of events taking place across the city. We thought we’d round up all the events happening in Govanhill and the wider Southside. Check out our top picks in this article.
Annie’s Loo: People Power and the toilet which changed tenement living
In the 1970s, architects harnessed people power to change the way we live. The story of Annie’s Loo can teach us about proofing our homes for an uncertain future.
Bringing Palestine to Edinburgh Fringe: Crowdfunder launched
A crowdfunder has been launched to help bring 16 Palestinian artists to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Creative Scotland has pledged to partially match the funds if the campaign reaches its £30,000 target. With the deadline just two weeks away, organisers are urging people to support however they’re able to.
What languages belong to Govanhill?
Glaswegian poet and novelist, Shane Johnstone reflects on the ties between language and identity in Govanhill, tracing its evolution through Irish diaspora culture to today’s vibrant multilingual community. By exploring how migration shapes belonging while raising questions about preserving and celebrating the area’s rich linguistic diversity.
Facing hatred with hope
Sadia Sikander writes about the challenges she faces as a refugee in Scotland, from the emotional toll of societal hostility, systemic barriers, navigating unfamiliar systems and finding employment. Sikander also highlights the need to hold onto hope in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Empowering tenants: How to stand up to landlords and fight for your rights
Tenants often face challenges like unaddressed repairs, damp, and rent increases, compounded by a power imbalance with landlords. This article highlights how Living Rent supports renters through collective action and member defence sessions.
Seven reparations, one reckoning: Farah Saleh’s embodied call for justice in Palestine
Balfour Reparations 2024-2044, a performance lecture by Farah Saleh, uses a mix of movement, spoken word, and participatory action to confront the UK’s colonial role in Palestine and explores our role in shaping a decolonial future.
Like my grandmother use to make: Salsa de Tomatillo
For those of us far from our ancestral homelands, connecting to heritage is an act of resilience, joy, and community. This piece explores Melissa Espinoza’s connection to food, the role it plays in preserving Mexican culture, and how culinary traditions bridge the gap between past and present – even in Glasgow.
The origin story of ‘Romane Cierhenia’ – the Roma Stars of Glasgow
In this issue of Roma News and Views, Aliana Michalewicz sits down with her mum Sonia to learn more about their fascinating, famous family history rooted in music and dance, how they brought this from Poland to Glasgow, and their hopes for the future.
A tour of the Southside’s radical history
From bank robberies to links to the slave trade, the southside has homed a variety of radical social and political histories. In this piece we explore some of the area’s forgotten heritage and dive deeper to uncover the legacy behind these familiar spots.
Stories from our streets: Butterbiggins Road
In this new series, we’re exploring Govanhill’s heritage, street by street – starting with Butterbiggins Road. Once an 18th-century hamlet for travelling communities, Butterbiggins evolved from a rural outpost to an industrial hub, and later into the residential street we know today.