IN the 1950s, many Glasgow families were uprooted from their homes in the city centre and moved to the new "schemes".
For some it was an exciting, brand new start in less polluted, less crowded estates such as Easterhouse, Castlemilk and Drumchapel.
For others, it had its drawbacks.
Alice Bradshaw, nee Queen, moved from Bridgeton to Drumchapel around 1954, explains her daughter Alison Wasson.
“My mum always had a bee in her bonnet about people telling her Bridgeton was a deprived area and how she now had a ‘decent house’ in Drumchapel,” says Alison.
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“Which, incidentally was still overcrowded when compared with today's standards - a three-bed flat in Heathcot Avenue, with grandpa in the big bedroom because it had a fire place and he needed the heat; mum, dad and wee brother in the second bedroom; and my mum and her sister in the third...”
She adds, smiling: “My mum could rhyme off five parks, including Glasgow Green, and three cinemas within walking distance of her Bridgeton home.
“The school was five minutes’ walk and there were plenty of shops, churches and pubs, along with a well established sense of community.
“When they moved to Drumchapel there was nothing there. The only facility was a couple of doctors whose practice was run from a caravan.”
Alice is now 83 and still lives in Drumchapel.
“For some families, the move was financially crippling,” explains Alison. “Better housing but higher rents; more rooms meant more furniture; travel costs to work and for shopping….”
“My mum and her sister and brother had to travel to Bridgeton to school each day on public transport, which meant a walk to the Boulevard and then the tram.”
Do you agree with Alice? What are your memories of growing up in Glasgow? Email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG
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