Glasgow graveyard group keeping community spirit alive in lockdown

Friends of the Southern Necropolis, which is transforming the Gorbals graveyard into an environmental and historical hub, has had to stop its refurbishment works while Covid-19 restrictions remain in place.

But its founders - Colin and Elsie Mackie - have come up with a new way of keeping local people connected.

“We have been running a Facebook group called Live from Oor Living-Room,” explains Colin.

“We broadcast quizzes, share stories about the Southern Necropolis, Oatlands memories and more, and we have had some great feedback from folk who have enjoyed the supportive and feel-good ethos of the group.”

He adds: “Before the coronavirus outbreak, we had been carrying out some more enhancement projects within the cemetery, including our Greek Thomson Memorial Circle, and the creation of our special Commonwealth Corner.

“But now that work has had to stop for the time being, we decided to do something a little different.”

More than 300 people have signed up to the group, which is helping to bring people together ‘virtually’ as social distancing measures remain necessary.

Colin has also published a new website highlighting some famous characters from the Gorbals’ rich history, including global entrepreneur Sir Thomas Lipton, boxer Benny Lynch, impassioned minister Geoff Shaw and artist Tommy Smith.

Read more: Calling Glasgow groups and schoolkids - get involved in Streets Ahead

Since receiving a Streets Ahead grant in 2014 and winning a Streets Ahead award for Best Clean Up Campaign in 2016, Friends of the Southern Necropolis has continued its transformation of the cemetery. Its most recent educational programme, the Resurrecting and Preserving History Project, worked with local schools and it launched a new appeal to save the gatehouse at the entrance to the site.

Bringing people together is at the heart of the Glasgow Times Streets Ahead campaign.

Now, more than ever, people are pulling together – and Streets Ahead is here to help.

Our initiative, backed by Glasgow City Council, City Charitable Trust, CGI and City Building shines a light on the men, women and children working hard to improve their local areas for the benefit of all.

Over the previous eight years, we have celebrated their excellent efforts across a whole range of projects, from creating gorgeous community gardens out of nothing, to rallying neighbours together for clean-ups and more.

City life is very different for all of us as the coronavirus outbreak keeps everyone at home and social distancing means many community events and projects have been postponed or closed.

In a typically Glaswegian way, however, communities are rallying together in these strange and unsettling times, finding new ways to support each other.

We want you to tell us about what you are doing to help your community, and let us know how we can help spread the word or rally support for you.

Read more: Streets Ahead - Glasgow charity helping people surviving in "a tough world"

Tell us about the superhero neighbours helping you in your time of need and the key workers keeping your community going.

Schools, which have always been at the heart of our campaign, are now closed but pupils and staff can still play a part in Streets Ahead.

We want to hear from the Class of 2020 – the primary seven and sixth year pupils who would have been celebrating the end of an era in style, but instead, are spending the last few months of their primary or secondary school days under lockdown.

Tell us your favourite school moments over the years, and pay tribute to the teachers and fellow pupils special to you. Send stories and photos to ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk

Streets Ahead grants are available too for community projects – email the above address for more information.