Cleaning up the River Kelvin is great way to socialise

The River Kelvin Angling Association (RKAA) are planning  a clean-up on Saturday 2 June alongside FORK – Friends of the River Kelvin – who are preparing for their Big Gala on Saturday 9 June at their headquarters – Ha’penny Bridge House in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens.

Volunteers to help with both groups’ cleaning up activities are invited to be at Ha’Penny Bridge House (HBH) at 10.30. Pickers-up and gloves are provided. Said Allan Twigg, FORK treasurer who organises the regular FORK clean-ups: ‘We’ll be preparing HBH for the Gala and also want to clear part of the foundations of the Flint Mill which has become overgrown. Should anyone have loppers they can bring, they would be useful to cut back rhododendrons too, though we hope to borrow some from the Botanic Gardens.’

The FORK GALA on Saturday 9 June is a highlight of the West End Festival. Last year the event, planned to finish at 4pm – was still going strong at 6pm because so many musicians were happy to play, the weather was warm and people were having a great time browsing and buying at the stalls and listening to the music.

Said Allan: ‘On the day of the Gala, we need all the help we can get from early in the morning as we start setting up around 8 am, throughout the day to help with the Gala and late in the afternoon to clear up.’

FORK is an organisation of people who are keen to keep the integrity and the beauty of nature around the River Kelvin in the city and are committed to its care and maintenance on a volunteer basis. Founded 20 years ago by Mark Eden-Bushell who is now Ambassador for the work, FORK has been a social and an environmental success story which continues today under a new Convenor – Sally Johnston – and an enthusiastic team.

The annual gala includes a chance to try canoeing, find out about local campaigns and charities and volunteer activities and buy things like books and crafted goods. The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Glasgow Conjurers are just two of the many organisations who take part and help to make the event a great success.

 

Diary dates

Watch out for a whole host of enjoyable festivals and fairs throughout the summer.

On Wednesday 19 May, Gorbals Fair Committee chose their Fair Prince and Princess from the assembled three local schools for the Fair Parade and Show on Saturday 5 June.

The Southside Festival’s big day will be Saturday 22 May in Queen’s Park RECREATION grounds with music in the Glasshouses. Already,  Carol Laula and Maeve O’Boyle have signed up. Other events will be run in the lead up to the day.

The first Saturday of every month sees Tollcross Park offering Bards in the Park, a dedicated group of poets and Tollcross writers who believe in Peace and Jam and family picnics in the Park.

From Monday 7 June till Sunday 27 June there will be a rolling programme of events, gigs and happenings to mark the West End’s 15th year of FESTIVAL. The programme is out now and can be picked up free, in most of the places where event will be taking place. Also check the website: www.westendfestival.co.uk

On Saturday 12 June the Friends of the River Kelvin will hold their annual fundraising FORKS in the Park event around their headquarters at Ha’penny Bridge in the Botanic Gardens.

The Mardi Gras styled parade to open the West End Festival will be on Sunday 13 June along Kelvin Way, as last year, ending in Kelvingrove Park.

Sunday 20 June will be the Gibson Street Gala Day and also the 20th year of the Glasgow Mela – sponsored for the first time by O2. That happy event will be in Kelvingrove Park.

Saturday 26 June will see the first West End Festival HIGHLAND GAMES. This will be scheduled for Hughenden playing fields possibly with a fireworks finale.