Mela keeps singing despite the rain

 

The 02 Mela started with a splash on Saturday 23 June when the heavens opened as the major Asian styled, two-day festival got underway in Kelvingrove Park.

In the dry, sunny moments just before then, photographer Ian McIntyre caught some of the musicians as they were rehearsing on one of the three stages at the event.   Ironically, this stage wasn’t allowed to operate when the rain descended.  But the other two went ahead with their scheduled performances despite tiny  audiences huddling under brollies patiently listening to their favourite Bollywood and Bhangra and other stars.

Apart from the Forestry Commission’s play space for children which was covered and busy with crafty little ones making things, having their faces painted and lapping up story-telling sessions, the rest of the park was awash with water and devoid of people till well into the afternoon.

A few brave folk scurried about under umbrellas but most of the stall holders sat glumly with tents full of unsold, lovely goods.  Things brightened up mid afternoon when the rain stopped and some of the anticipated 20,000 visitors braved the elements to explore the multitude of stalls, events and entertainments.

Similar wet weather is forecast for Sunday.  But it won’t stop the music.

 

 

 

Merrylee pupils gear up for road safety drive

Pupils and staff at Merrylee Primary School in Cathcart have joined Glasgow City Council’s Community Action Team in a road and traffic safety drive as part of the Go Safe Glasgow campaign.
The Merrylee school campus, which is found at the busy corner of Friarton and Ashmore roads, is one of many schools chosen by the campaign. The aim of Go Safe Glasgow is to keep Merrylee’s environs clear of vehicles, which allows children to cross roads in safety. Drivers are warned not to park on zig-zags and respect the red and green zones.
Go Safe Glasgow is also seeking to introduce ‘walking buses’ and develop road safety measures with input from the children who will use them.
Meanwhile, Merrylee is moving closer to achieving its goal of having an ‘outdoor classroom’ by the summer thanks to hard work by the school community and a grant from the Forestry Commission.
The government agency has contributed £3,500 towards the project, leaving Merrylee children, parents and staff to raise the remaining £2,500. When in place, the outdoor classroom will provide all weather learning facilities for the pupils.
Headteacher Liz Mahindru said: ‘Studies have shows that getting outdoors and working outdoors improves a child’s mental health.’