North Glasgow women get red carpet treatment for Karen Dunbar show

The hit show shared the stories of grannies Jean, Maggie, Susan, Betty and Wilma, known affectionately as The Gallus, as they created their own rap about family, friendship and faith.

Filmed partly in Possilpark and Springburn, Karen Dunbar's School of Rap showcased the women’s personal challenges and the resilience of the North Glasgow community.

Karen and Amy with Wilma, Maggie, Jean, Susan and Betty (Image: BBC)

Ng Homes organised two special events for the wider community to enjoy the documentary, which was produced and directed by Rachel Coburn.

Guests included Karen Dunbar and Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, and guests were treated to a beautiful meal courtesy of the Courtyard Pantry. A Q&A with the women, Karen and Rachel followed the screening.

Ng Homes first connected with Karen during the pandemic to work with local people who were feeling isolated. Working over Zoom, Karen and the groups created RAP (Rhythm and Poetry) pieces, focusing on how they felt during the pandemic and the importance of social connections.

As restrictions lifted and community events ramped up once again, the RAP workshops continued in community venues. Last year, two of the groups - Glasgow Baby Food Bank and Possobilities - performed at Springburn Park during the Make Something Better event.

Karen said: “Since doing the RAP workshops with the folk I’ve met through Ng Homes, my mind’s really been opened up to all the creativity and spirit that is in Springburn and Possilpark  - so many people with something to say and a unique way of saying it. The stories, the accents and the humour from participants never fail to make me smile, cry and laugh and their generosity in sharing their ideas and memories is very humbling.”

Rachel added: “I really appreciate the trust the women put in me to tell their stories with dignity, and it was great to highlight the work Karen and Amy are doing through the rap workshops – the power and importance of community arts initiatives shouldn’t be underestimated. The bonds we’ve made on this wee journey will live on - I can safely now say I’ve got five new adoptive grannies."

Margaret Fraser, deputy director of regeneration at Ng Homes, said: “This is a great example of harnessing the amazing creativity that runs through North Glasgow.

"We have been delighted to work alongside Karen to support a range of groups to take part in the RAP workshops. We are also delighted that Karen has set up her own social enterprise, Beats Therapy, and we know her talent will continue to work its magic in our community.”

The documentary is available on BBC iPlayer.