April 1988, and 5 months’ Joyous Delight in Glasgow
Last month, the Editor invited readers to reminisce on the Glasgow Garden
Festival. These are Anne Cowan’s memories!
They had all been preparing for many months
– many teams of experts in many specialist
projects.
At last the day was here; excitedly, we
crossed Bell’s Bridge,
there, from 2 close
windows, we
encountered 2 “glesca women” having a “hing” as they
chatted. “Big Rory”, in all his stilted splendour, had
bent down and perched a wee child on his shoulders to
survey the stunning scene – what a marvellous
memory for a 3-year-old to have etched on his mind for
years to come.
The wee train
gave a resume
of treats to
come and a
ride in the tram
conjured up
nostalgia and
wee steamers
on a stretch of water reminded us of going
“doon the watter”.
We could imagine a trip to Galloway to see the belted Galloway cattle. Not
only were we among things Scottish, but also we were among plants and
foods from all over the world. A tent provided us with medicinal herbs such
as aloe vera, eucalyptus, elder,
geranium, and some salad
herbs, even clover.
Nor were we short of
entertainment, although sky-
scraping fair-ground machines
were not for me. Near to the
interfaith garden was a stage
where choirs, for example
Glasgow Youth Choir,
participated in “Songs of Praise”.
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