A Glasgow publication highlighting events recently celebrated its 10th edition and 21st birthday.
The Maryhill Activity Directory (MAD) publishes stories about local groups, events and things to do in North Glasgow, from Kelvindale to Milton to Sighthill.
Recently, the group marked the release of its 10th booklet. 50,000 free copies are available in shops, churches, community groups, schools and more.
Jennifer Gavin, North Glasgow Healthy Living Community, Minister Stuart Matthews, Maryhill Ruchill Church, Louise Nolan from Make it Glasgow, Jim Hamilton, deacon at Maryhill Ruchill Church and chair of Maryhill Activity Directory and Melanie Farrow, Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust (Image: Mark F Gibson)
Around 100 people gathered for the special event at The Mackintosh Halls for the celebration.
There were workshops, speeches and even an opportunity to create tiles to cover Bella the Beithir, the new snake sculpture at Stockinfield junction.
Jim Hamilton, a deacon at Maryhill Ruchill Church and chair of MAD, said: "It was a great event. There were lots of community groups.
"The booklet is quite remarkable in one sense. The biggest shock to the system in the whole 21 years was the pandemic.
"Technically, we produced 10 hard copies but this includes the one we never released in March 2020.
"We haven't done one since until now."
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Jim has been involved with the creation of the directory from the beginning.
He said: "When I arrived I was asked by the minister at that time to go around and speak to the community and see what was going on.
"I went to the local Ledgowan Tenant's Hall. It was owned by Glasgow City Council at the time and a gentleman said to me 'Why don't we do a local information booklet?'.
"That's how it started, in January 2003. Because of this being produced, other people got involved and the product moved on."
At first, the directory covered around 50 events but by now, 700-800 things to do are included.
Jim added: "It's a snapshot of every activity that takes place in the community, for people in every stage of life, from toddlers to seniors.
"It's to show people there is a lot happening."
Despite the small production, MAD has been integrated into the fabric of North Glasgow and many people look out for it.
The deacon said: "I have heard lots of stories over the years.
When I was distributing it, a man at McDonald's said they remembered growing up and seeing it in Community Centre Halls.
"There was also a gentleman in Possilpark who said that he now works for Possobilities, working with special needs families and when he grew up, he went to Ruchill Community Centre and remembered the directory, which inspired him to learn judo.
"People think it's my baby but it's everybody's baby. It's there to be shared. It;s a passport to Maryhill."
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