Earliest memory of Glasgow? I was born in Belfast, 1947 but moved to Springburn when I was three. My dad was born there, and met and married my mum after the war. When I was 12, we moved to Kirkintilloch as part of the overspill plans in 1960.
Which street did you live on? Hillkirk Street, top floor flat tenement – a room and kitchen, with an outside toilet shared with two other families. I found an old picture of Hillkirk Street where the police are taking part in a parade.
A police parade on Hillkirk Street in Springburn - does anyone remember this?
What school did you go to? Elmvale Primary – it was great fun with plenty of friends. I used to jump on to the trams at the terminus in Elmvale Street, telling the conductress I was collecting silver paper from old cigarette packets for school. I’d then jump off two stops later - it was a free lift up the road…I passed the Eleven Plus and went to Albert Senior Secondary for six months, until we moved to Kirkintolloch and I transferred to Lenzie Academy. I left after fourth year. I was always quite good at Arithmetic and passed most other subjects (except Latin).
Favourite cinema? The ABC Minors at the Princes, every Saturday morning, great fun. And my dad took me to the Astor and the Kinema, all Springburn.
Favourite local shop? The wee sweetie shop at the top of Hillkirk Street was great – but I can’t remember its name.
James at home in Springburn
Where did you go dancing? I went to my local dance hall in Kirkintilloch, The Graveyard. When I was older, I’d travel into Glasgow – favourites were The Maryland and the Candlelight Club at the Botanic Gardens. Always got a lumber.
READ MORE: How a Cowcaddens lad found himself in one of 'fiercest' battles of WWII
Best thing about growing up in Glasgow? There is always something to do whether you are a teenager or 70-plus like me.
Happiest childhood memory: I had great fun in Springburn Park, and at Kelvingrove Art Galleries on a Sunday with my pals, and the jumps round the back of the tenements, where we would jump from one wash-house to another. Summer holidays were spent in Belfast with my grandparents or in a caravan in St Andrews. Happy times.
Send us your memories of growing up in Glasgow. Fill in the questionnaire here or email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk
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