The most obvious place to look for history, is in history books. However, don't expect to find to much of ordinary peoples experience of events in the official tomes of historical analysis, you will find in school, or the local library. To be sure you will find reference to these events, usually a watered down or patronising representation of "a peoples history". But if you are seeking "a real peoples history" You may have to dig a bit deeper. For the people who record, collate and publish a peoples history, are not financed by the establishment funds, as the biographers of statesmen and Kings and Queens are - nor does this interpretation of history, usually pay mortgages, or receive the accolade of what the establishment deems to be worthy. This version of history is generally financed by good will, hard work, generosity and passionate commitment.
So much of what can be learned and the possibility of empowerment through historical knowledge depends on which version you read. I know which I prefer to read, it's the version that is a bit more difficult to find. But the effort is worth it, because it is a vibrant inspiring history of working class, issues, problems, solutions and achievements. It is the version of history that inspires a vision of what is possible.
The out of print, publication Workers City is part of that history and I wish somebody would find the money and time to expand, and republish it. Meanwhile for those who haven't read it -I am sure - will still recognise its relevance to the issues of today, from the examples listed here
For The Battle for the Green, is just as relevant today, as it was then (1931) Freedom of speech and public green space, are still constantly under attack (privatised parks, Official Secrets Act ). The present battle for control of social housing is reflected in Gizza Noose, and Hutchie E and the following lines from Glasgow's Smiles, brings us up to date, in the appropriation of our city by business:
"Fur thae puir sowls thit urnae followin;
WERE GONNIE KICK THIS CITIES HOLE IN"
Some day a comprehensive peoples history will be written, until then we need to protect and cherish the documentation, the memorable experiences and the oral traditions, of sharing our culture. And meanwhile we need to subjugate this technology, you are reading this on, into serving social needs and relieving us from the boredom of rote slavery, in order that we can attend to these needs. Glasgow User Manual, hopefully can serve as a conduit for some of these ideas. And, support those who make the struggle for a better world, exciting and enlightening, through their efforts and publications.
A real peoples history
Farquhar McLay
Introduction to Workers City
J.T.Caldwell
The Battle for the Green
Lewis Grassic Gibbons
Glasgow
Phil Mcphee
Hutchie E
Janette McGinn
Gizza Hoose
Farquhar McLay
Glasgow's Smiles
ROBERT LYNN
Not a Life Story, Just a Leaf From It
Ethel MacDonald (1909-1960)
The Volunteer Ban
R. D. LAING
from 'Wisdom, Madness and Folly'
]]>
The most obvious place to look for history, is in history books. However, don't expect to find to much of ordinary peoples experience of events in the official tomes of historical analysis, you will find in school, or the local library. To be sure you will find reference to these events, usually a watered down or patronising representation of "a peoples history". But if you are seeking "a real peoples history" You may have to dig a bit deeper. For the people who record, collate and publish a peoples history, are not financed by the establishment funds, as the biographers of statesmen and Kings and Queens are - nor does this interpretation of history, usually pay mortgages, or receive the accolade of what the establishment deems to be worthy. This version of history is generally financed by good will, hard work, generosity and passionate commitment.
So much of what can be learned and the possibility of empowerment through historical knowledge depends on which version you read. I know which I prefer to read, it's the version that is a bit more difficult to find. But the effort is worth it, because it is a vibrant inspiring history of working class, issues, problems, solutions and achievements. It is the version of history that inspires a vision of what is possible.
The out of print, publication Workers City is part of that history and I wish somebody would find the money and time to expand, and republish it. Meanwhile for those who haven't read it -I am sure - will still recognise its relevance to the issues of today, from the examples listed here
For The Battle for the Green, is just as relevant today, as it was then (1931) Freedom of speech and public green space, are still constantly under attack (privatised parks, Official Secrets Act ). The present battle for control of social housing is reflected in Gizza Noose, and Hutchie E and the following lines from Glasgow's Smiles, brings us up to date, in the appropriation of our city by business:
"Fur thae puir sowls thit urnae followin;
WERE GONNIE KICK THIS CITIES HOLE IN"
Some day a comprehensive peoples history will be written, until then we need to protect and cherish the documentation, the memorable experiences and the oral traditions, of sharing our culture. And meanwhile we need to subjugate this technology, you are reading this on, into serving social needs and relieving us from the boredom of rote slavery, in order that we can attend to these needs. Glasgow User Manual, hopefully can serve as a conduit for some of these ideas. And, support those who make the struggle for a better world, exciting and enlightening, through their efforts and publications.
A real peoples history
Farquhar McLay
Introduction to Workers City
J.T.Caldwell
The Battle for the Green
Lewis Grassic Gibbons
Glasgow
Phil Mcphee
Hutchie E
Janette McGinn
Gizza Hoose
Farquhar McLay
Glasgow's Smiles
ROBERT LYNN
Not a Life Story, Just a Leaf From It
Ethel MacDonald (1909-1960)
The Volunteer Ban
R. D. LAING
from 'Wisdom, Madness and Folly'
]]>
As the tide went out on the shipbuilding history of Govan, many families in the community were left without work and meaning. Modern Govan has been left high and dry by this post-industrial legacy; roots are being lost, values are becoming blurred, and the fast-flowing current of modern life is leaving many behind. At GalGael, we have created a cultural anchor point around which local people are re-kindling skills, community and a sense of purpose. While our boats imaginatively reconnect elder and youth… people and place… urban to rural communities, the insider and the outsider… old ways and new… our past to our future. They serve as a powerful metaphor for transformation - recreating an inspirational folklore for the modern age.
We welcome you to our website; the pages that follow will share a little of our work; expressing the people side of what we do (folk), the skills and training side (work) and setting these in their urban and rural contexts (place). We hope you find your time here as inspirational as we find our daily work.
For regular updates, please visit our blog at;
Blog: GalGael
As the tide went out on the shipbuilding history of Govan, many families in the community were left without work and meaning. Modern Govan has been left high and dry by this post-industrial legacy; roots are being lost, values are becoming blurred, and the fast-flowing current of modern life is leaving many behind. At GalGael, we have created a cultural anchor point around which local people are re-kindling skills, community and a sense of purpose. While our boats imaginatively reconnect elder and youth… people and place… urban to rural communities, the insider and the outsider… old ways and new… our past to our future. They serve as a powerful metaphor for transformation - recreating an inspirational folklore for the modern age.
We welcome you to our website; the pages that follow will share a little of our work; expressing the people side of what we do (folk), the skills and training side (work) and setting these in their urban and rural contexts (place). We hope you find your time here as inspirational as we find our daily work.
For regular updates, please visit our blog at;
Blog: GalGael
The Weavers Walk (pictures). Following the trail of the Calton weavers - A walk from Glasgow cathedral to the Peoples Palace. As well as a walk tracing historical roots, these pictures also highlighted the sterile architecture of gentrification. The only thing getting in its way is the bubbly patter of the "Barras" and pockets of housing still retaining some assemblage of working class presence. The Calton - Maryhill?
Or watch Govan stroll here If you don't get out nothing happens. Join a city stroll, see your city in a new light or do your own walk and tell us about it. See below for next stroll. "Weavers"
]]>The Weavers Walk (pictures). Following the trail of the Calton weavers - A walk from Glasgow cathedral to the Peoples Palace. As well as a walk tracing historical roots, these pictures also highlighted the sterile architecture of gentrification. The only thing getting in its way is the bubbly patter of the "Barras" and pockets of housing still retaining some assemblage of working class presence. The Calton - Maryhill?
Or watch Govan stroll here If you don't get out nothing happens. Join a city stroll, see your city in a new light or do your own walk and tell us about it. See below for next stroll. "Weavers"
]]>From the summer series of walks:
Calton Weavers Walk
"Thanks to John and Bob's extensive knowledge of Glasgow's history I've learned a lot of new and interesting things about the city. This walk was a real eye-opener to me that has helped me to understand the way Glasgow has grown (and later shrank) since the time of the Weaver's Strikes up until present day. It's been a really moving experience to walk through the city and to find out so many different details about the history and the importance of different buildings, streets, areas and their relationship to the different social movements and politics that have shaped the city throughout the years.
Although some things were not new to me like the emergence of the wealthy ruling class during the slavery and tobacco years, others like the explanation of the division between the East and the West of the city imposed by the prevailing westerly winds during the heavily polluted industrial era turned out the be really interesting facts. Places like High Street, Calton, Glasgow Green or the People's Palace that I didn't even know before the walk have a special meaning for me now and I feel really greatful to have had the opportunity to learn so many things through the eyes of genuine Glaswegians.
I was impressed to see the great effort put in reviving the submerged history of Glasgow and in particular of the class struggles from the past. I wish more people could take part in these talks to learn more about real brave characters of Scotland's history like the Calton's weavers. Some were ruthlessly massacred by the army in their effort to improve their living conditions at that time but forgetting about them now would be really regretful. They must continue to be remembered in order to help communities to feel proud about their history through their example. Thanks again for this walk."
Victor Martinez, Madrid (Spain)
From the summer series of walks:
Calton Weavers Walk
"Thanks to John and Bob's extensive knowledge of Glasgow's history I've learned a lot of new and interesting things about the city. This walk was a real eye-opener to me that has helped me to understand the way Glasgow has grown (and later shrank) since the time of the Weaver's Strikes up until present day. It's been a really moving experience to walk through the city and to find out so many different details about the history and the importance of different buildings, streets, areas and their relationship to the different social movements and politics that have shaped the city throughout the years.
Although some things were not new to me like the emergence of the wealthy ruling class during the slavery and tobacco years, others like the explanation of the division between the East and the West of the city imposed by the prevailing westerly winds during the heavily polluted industrial era turned out the be really interesting facts. Places like High Street, Calton, Glasgow Green or the People's Palace that I didn't even know before the walk have a special meaning for me now and I feel really greatful to have had the opportunity to learn so many things through the eyes of genuine Glaswegians.
I was impressed to see the great effort put in reviving the submerged history of Glasgow and in particular of the class struggles from the past. I wish more people could take part in these talks to learn more about real brave characters of Scotland's history like the Calton's weavers. Some were ruthlessly massacred by the army in their effort to improve their living conditions at that time but forgetting about them now would be really regretful. They must continue to be remembered in order to help communities to feel proud about their history through their example. Thanks again for this walk."
Victor Martinez, Madrid (Spain)
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Owner: Bob H
Group members: 6
Description:
If politics means anything it is "How groups of people organise" without organisation we will not get very far. Organisation creates power to change things - so how we organise is very important. Full description here
Brief description: Community organising
Interests: self publishing, video, photography, radio, community, organisation, participation, history, events, solidarity
Website:
]]>
Owner: Bob H
Group members: 6
Description:
If politics means anything it is "How groups of people organise" without organisation we will not get very far. Organisation creates power to change things - so how we organise is very important. Full description here
Brief description: Community organising
Interests: self publishing, video, photography, radio, community, organisation, participation, history, events, solidarity
Website: