Annual Review 2018

Reaching out to our young people

Annual Review to 31 March 2018 Annual Review 2018

“For me, one of the most important developments this year has been the significant ground covered making connections between what we do and what we believe are the needs and interests of our young people” from the chair

Aileen McGowan, Chair of Govan Workspace

HAVING JUST completed my first full and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The place been an unbelievably difficult project year as Chair, it gives me great pleasure to was buzzing. What surprised me wasn’t to deliver. It was a colossal drain on our present the company’s Annual Review and so much the numbers — 520 over the two finances, and it will be years before we to bring you news, through this report, of days— as the level of interest shown in get back to where we were before we the ever-widening scope of our work. our work. People stayed for ages, wanted took it on. But back to that point we will For me, one of the most important to know everything about the building surely get. And, interestingly, Fairfield developments this year has been the and were highly complimentary about the has already become our best-performing significant ground covered making quality of the restoration. One woman, building, having recently reached 90% let. connections between what we do and what who described herself as a historian, told Finally, I wish to express thanks to our we believe are the needs and interests of me she had visited lots of historic buildings our young people. I recall that shortly after we completed Fairfield and opened it to the Making our work relevant to the young people of Govan public, we took stock of where we were and like Fairfield but had never come across staff and to fellow directors for their resolved — all of us, volunteers, members one so carefully restored. She said she tremendous work and commitment and directors — to do everything we could was astonished it had been achieved by a over the past year. And, in particular, to make our investment relevant to the community enterprise. let me offer all of our congratulations youth of Govan. To hear compliments such as these to the company’s Managing Director, Well, progress is being made and it is makes me feel very proud, and they justify Pat Cassidy, on the award of his no accident that this year’s front cover of having taken on the restoration project in honorary doctorate from the University the Annual Review features examples of the first place. Because what’s certain is of Glasgow. The honour was given in that. In particular, I am pleased to report that had we not taken it on, the building recognition of his contribution to the on the strengthening links forged between would have been lost and so also a massive social and economic regeneration of Fairfield Heritage and local schools. The part of Govan’s heritage. Of course, that Glasgow, one that he richly deserves. response from the schools, and even more cannot disguise the fact that Fairfield has so the pupils, to our earlier Rents, Rivets & Rotten Tatties exhibition and to this year’s River at War has been tremendous and justifies all the work that has gone into them. The hands-on workshops on shipbuilding that we provide for schools have been very popular and great fun. Equally important is the progress being made just along the road at Govan Old where there has also been an impressive increase in school visits, not just local but from elsewhere in the city. And it was great to see so many children involved in Govan Old’s recent Family Fun Day Sunday and enjoying the string of colourful activities laid on for them. Having missed it for the past couple of years through holiday commitments, I was able this year to participate as a Board members (left to right) Pat Cassidy, Graham McKee, Bill Pritchard, volunteer in Fairfield’s Doors Open event, Barbara Douglas Aileen McGowan (Chair), Flora Pagan, Rosemary Swords, Colin Quigley, (missing, George Wills who is behind the camera) 2

Annual Review 2018 An Englishman in Govan!

HE CHOSE Govan to launch the Scottish leg of his shipyard musical because he was drawn there by the story of struggling Clydeside workers who refused to be thrown onto the scrapheap and who had the courage and skill to take on a government and win. To a packed Fairfield boardroom, Sting — of An Englishman in New York fame — revealed that one of the big inspirations for his musical, The Last Ship, came from Govan’s Jimmy Reid and the victorious campaign that saved Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in the early ‘70s.

The former Police frontman was brought up in the shadow of shipbuilding cranes in the community of Wallsend, and it was only later in life he realised how much that background had formed him. The musical springs from an emotional re-awakening. It tells the story of his community when it is hit by the downfall of the industry and closure of the Swan Hunter yard in the late ‘80s as thousands of men are made redundant. He said: “I was inspired by Jimmy Reid who staged a work-in here on Clydeside. I’ve used that as part of the plot. The men who are being made redundant say: ‘We’re going to finish the ship that we started, to show the world who we are, that we are not expendable’ “.

Sting’s appearance at Fairfield was in December to promote the musical ahead of its run at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow. He treated his audience of around 80 to an acoustic performance of songs from the show, followed by Questions & Answers. The audience GOVAN OLD was once again the included press, guests from the local venue for the annual Jimmy Reid area, from the Theatre Royal, and Memorial Lecture which was a group of secondary school music delivered on this occasion by Mark pupils. Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union. His subject matter for the 2017 lecture was PAY, PEOPLE and POWER in which he reflected on ten years of austerity cuts, priva- tisation and wage freezes that he believed had severely damaged workers’ morale and left public services in crisis. Mr Serwotka called for a public sector for the 21st century that was properly funded, with fairly paid staff and democratic ownership.

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The awards have been made to social enterprise leading the project, Govan Heritage Trust (GHT) to support said: “The impact of the award is both Public sector the development of the A-listed huge and daunting, it means things building as a cultural and enterprise are now going to happen faster than backing for hub. Welcoming the announcements, we expected, with a first phase of John Hume, GHT Chair, said: “This is works targeted in less than a year. But great news for Govan, and marks the it also means we’re under pressure community culmination of ten years of hard work to raise a very significant amount of by a community determined to save match funding from private sources. plans at this magnificent building from closure. The important thing for now is that the In terms of historic significance, community’s ambitious plans for Govan Govan Old Govan Old is a national asset on a Old are making progress.”

THE PROPOSAL to redevelop par with celebrated sites such as Iona The redevelopment of Govan Old is Govan Old as a community hub and and Whithorn but has never been one of the key projects in the next stage asset has been strengthened by two given the recognition it deserves. We of the Central Govan Action Plan (CGAP) significant awards of public money and the Govan community want to regeneration strategy for Govan, and sits during the year. The first, in late 2017, change all that and to see it flourish alongside Council proposals for a new was a grant of £400,000 made by as a Govan icon and one of Glasgow bridge connecting Govan and Partick, the Scottish Government’s Vacant & and Scotland’s important cultural and and the redevelopment of Water Row Derelict Land Fund. Six months later enterprise centres. On behalf of the to provide housing and commercial Glasgow City Council confirmed that Trust I would like to express our thanks space. CGAP has already committed its £1.9m application to the Scottish to the Scottish Government, Glasgow investment of £715,500 to the Govan Government had also been successful. City Council and our partners at Central Old project. Total public funds have Govan Action Plan for such tremendous therefore reached £3,015,000. support. We look forward to working closely with them on what will be an Central Govan Action Plan 715,500 inspiring project for Govan.” Vacant & Derelict Land Fund 400,000 Pat Cassidy, a trustee, and Managing Regeneration Capital Grant Fund 1,900,000 Director of Govan Workspace, the TOTAL 3,015,000

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AN INTERNATIONAL gathering in Glasgow of hundreds of footsteps of an adventurous young archaeologists and researchers samurai called Yozo Yamao who enjoyed a tour of the Govan Stones Napier’s had come to Glasgow over 150 as part of a two-day conference years earlier to learn about marine event. The 2018 Early Medieval Japanese engineering and shipbuilding. Yamao Archaeology Student Symposium arrived in the city in 1866 and spent (EMASS), was hosted in April jointly Connection two years working at Napier’s shipyard by the University of Glasgow and the Glasgow School of Art. The University’s Professor Stephen Driscoll provided the tour and a reception at Govan Old. Within archaeology EMASS is an important event in the academic calendar. The Early Medieval period, circa 4th to 12th centuries, is no stranger to dark, mysterious and esoteric subject matters. So, Glasgow was simply the must place to be this year if you wanted to look into Illuminating Bubbles in Ancient Glass, or had concerns about Buckles and the Material Construction of Gender in Seventh- Century England, or maybe even had a thirst for knowledge of Early Medieval Alcohol Fermentation in Ireland. On matters closer to THE INFLUENCE of marine engineer, in Govan and attending evening classes home, the occasion was a serious Robert Napier, has long been marveled at Anderson’s College (now Strathclyde opportunity to showcase the Govan at. Just about every famous Clyde University). On his return to Japan he Stones and the groundbreaking shipbuilder in the late nineteenth became a strong advocate of technical digital photogrammetry work being century worked under “The Father education and its role in supporting done there by Glasgow University’s of Clyde Shipbuilding” at one time or the industrialisation of his country. Megan Kasten, whose paper “New another — David Elder, John Elder, Yamao subsequently went on to great insights into the Govan-Inchinnan James & George Thomson, and William things, becoming responsible for the School of Carving” was warmly Pearce. Yokohama shipyards and instrumental received. The remarkable impact Napier had in establishing the Imperial College Guests ended their visit to on the other side of the world came to of Engineering which later became Scotland with a field trip to Argyll the fore in July this year when a group the Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo and the Iron Age hill fort of Dunadd, of Japanese visitors arrived at Fairfield University. capital and royal centre of the for research. They were from the small While at Fairfield, the Japanese ancient Gaelic kingdom of Dal city of Hagi, near Hiroshima, in the visitors enjoyed a talk on The Riata which lays claim to be the south west of the country and included Development of Marine Engineering & Hagi’s mayor, Kenji Fujimichi. Shipbuilding on the Clyde by maritime foundation stone of the Kingdom of

The group was following in the historian, Ian Johnston. the Scots.

5 Annual Review 2018 New initiative promotes community participation in heritage

VOLUNTEERING AND heritage initiatives community to visit us and learn about their and that they get something in return for have been gathering pace following the heritage. what they give. Because we know that appointment this spring of an additional “I’m enjoying the job hugely and neither Govan Old nor Fairfield could member of staff to the Govan Workspace pleased with the progress we’re making. function without them and the valuable team. The new arrival is Emma Semple Our volunteer numbers are already up, contributions they make as stewards and who took up the post of Community particularly at Govan Old which has 19 guides. Through this new post we hope Heritage & Engagement Officer in April new recruits. It’s also pleasing to see an to be able to provide a programme of and whose role is dedicated to promoting increasing number of school visits to the training and educational visits that will greater community participation in local two projects both from Govan and further widen everyone’s experience, learning and projects. She comes with good experience afield. Likewise we’ve made a good start enjoyment. “ of working with the public on heritage reaching out to the community. Last month matters after ten years at the Riverside our Family Fun-Day Sunday event drew Museum. crowds to Govan Old where they enjoyed “It’s important we never Emma will support existing staff at Viking storytelling, historical arts & crafts, take the generosity of Fairfield and Govan Old to develop and medieval re-enactors, bouncy castles and volunteers for granted, and strengthen volunteering through the face-painting. We reckon it drew around expansion of numbers and delivery of new 500 people, many visiting for the first time. that they get something in training opportunities. She explained: “I’m The success is all thanks to the work of return for what they give. excited by the opportunity to be involved in volunteers.” the development of what are already two Commenting on the creation of the new Neither of our buildings outstanding community projects. My job is post, Govan Workspace’s Rosemary Swords could function without to get more folk involved as volunteers, to said: “Our goal is to ensure volunteers get make that an experience they enjoy, and the most out of their work. It’s important them and the valuable to encourage people of all ages from the we never take their generosity for granted contributions they make.”

NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS THE RETURN in August of the popular EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS to HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT Scotland has series of afternoon talks, A Tea, A the Govan Stones are on the had an active presence at Govan Old Talk & A Tunnock’s, has seen speakers increase, with ever-more schools over the summer following a decision from the realms of museums, from outside of Glasgow making by the agency to widen its records of academia and arts lecturing on the trip. Recent arrivals to the the Govan Stones Collection through subjects as diverse as the Symbology popular learning venue and new illustrations, photography and of Pictish Sculpture, the Archaeology expanding workshop activities measured surveys. The drawings and of Glen Lyon, or, closer to home, have included Renton Primary, photographs are destined to feature in Immigration to Glasgow in the 1950s. Kirkintilloch’s Hillhead Primary, a number of heritage publications and Numbers have been increasing with and Dunoon Grammar. reports, bringing further attention to each session. the remarkable sculpture.

6 Annual Review 2018 New initiative promotes community participation in heritage

The new post of Community Heritage EARLY DIVIDENDS in the tourism & Engagement Officer has been funded popularity stakes are already happening Govan Old under the Scottish Government’s Aspiring as a result of the new work at Govan Old. Visitor Nos Communities Fund (ACF) which is designed According to TRIPADVISOR, the project to strengthen Scotland’s most disadvan- has soared since March 2018 from number 2010 1,298 78 to 43 in the rankings of Things to do in taged communities by promoting greater Glasgow. 2011 1,742 participation in social and economic Explains Emma: “It’s all down to the 2012 2,477 activity. The £18.9m Scotland-wide ACF volunteers and to them getting the word 2013 6,225 programme was launched by First Minister out. They’ve been busy promoting the 2014 8,552 Nicola Sturgeon in 2017 on a visit to a local Govan Stones online, with Facebook and arts charity in Govan, Plantation Produc- Twitter contributions regularly attracting 2015 8,463 tions, when she said: “Over the next two over 15,000 hits – a remarkable feat for 2016 10,066 years, the investment in these...funds will a museum. Everyone’s also enthusiastic 2017 14,028 about our new training package which is deliver positive and innovative approaches designed to improve the visitor experience to improve people’s lives through boosting at Govan Old. Part of that will involve skills or delivering new services to meet trips to external venues. A small start has community needs — and crucially, giving been made with a recent visit to Paisley people the power to take charge and make Museum where we had instruction on changes in their own communities.” object-handling. Much more is planned.”

NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS Govan Old continues to receive LANDMARK EVENTS at Govan Old in late summer 2018 regular adult tour groups from wide- included The Great Big Heritage Bus Tour and Glasgow ranging societies and organisations, Doors Open Festival. The vintage buses ferried 240 visitors recently welcoming The Scottish Local to the venue in a single day, while Doors Open benefited History Forum, University of Glasgow from Govan Old’s extended opening hours and welcomed Existential Society, the University of 1,388 over the week-long event. Activities included a The Third Age and a multitude of local lecture on the Medieval History of Govan by Professor history groups. Stephen Driscoll, as well as the usual attractions of storytelling, and arts and crafts . VISITOR NUMBERS at Govan Old reached record heights in 2017 when 14,028 people made a trip to the site.

7 Annual Review 2018 It’s all go at Fairfield

NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS SNIPPETS // NEWS

Former shipyard workers and their families continue to add to the rich RIVER AT WAR collection of artefacts at Fairfield Heritage. Most recently, the family of Thomas Grant AN EXHIBITION which highlights and pays Dey (1882-1948), a Foreman Shipwright, tribute to the significant contribution made loaned for display a watch presented to by Clydeside industries to the war effort him when he left the yard in 1920. One during the Great War opened at Fairfield of Thomas’s contributions when he was in November. “River at War” tells the story at Fairfield was the first hand account of the mass mobilisation that took place in he wrote of the recovery of the sunken industry and the colossal output of ships, submarine K13 which sank in the Gareloch. aircraft, tanks and munitions that followed, during trials in 1917 claiming 32 lives, playing a vital role in ending the war. HMS TRENT including 6 of his fellow workers. The exhibition also tells of the hardships IT WAS so pleasing earlier this year to endured and sacrifices made by ordinary witness the Govan shipyard hosting the Naming Ceremony of HMS Trent. Govan’s Fairfield’s programme of workers, and of the social revolution that ample yard space allowed an uninterrupted afternoon and evening talks continued took place as women moved into heavy view of the whole structure of the vessel, to be popular over the winter months, industry to replace the men who had left a perspective not achieved previously in with special interest shown this year in for the front. similar events at Scotstoun. The 90-metre The Fairfield Experiment, The Fairfield Aimed principally at secondary schools, and 2,000-tonne ship sat sedately on its Engine Works and various topics relating the exhibition has provided a series 160-wheel low-loader like a museum piece, to WW1. The talks will resume in the of workshops developed with History and the visual impact was dramatic. autumn. teachers for National 4, National 5 and Higher level. River at War has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and produced by Fairfield Heritage staff and volunteers working with maritime historian, Ian Johnston.

Fairfield also played a historic role in the 13 March event when, after the ‘Naming’ ceremony, guests trooped off to the Above: FAIRFIELD VOLUNTEER and Glasgow Fairfield boardroom for the ‘Launch Party’. North East MP, Paul Sweeney, delivers a Govan Workspace’s Pat Cassidy was there lecture on UK shipbuilding and finds himself fielding lots of questions about Brexit and and confessed to feeling a wee lump in his its implications for industry from students throat: “I’ve regularly told people on tours of Northeastern University, Boston, in July. of our building about the past history of Below: Dr Miles Ogilthorpe, Head of “launch parties” in the Fairfield boardroom, Industrial Heritage at Historic Environment and, whenever I did so, I’d always try to Scotland, addressing a packed audience on visualise in my mind’s eye what they’d have the subject of Sir William Arrol & Co., Ltd. looked and felt like. So it was a truly surreal moment for me to be there amongst it all that day as champagne was being sipped and speeches made in celebration of HMS Trent. And I had a strange sense that I was witnessing the very last brick being placed in what had been our rebuilding of Fairfield. And yes, that was a wee bit emotional.” HMS Trent is the third of three Offshore Patrol Vessels built by the Govan yard. Steel was first cut in Govan on 7 October 2015. Alongside HMS Forth and HMS Medway, Trent will go on to take part in counter terrorism, combating piracy, halting smuggling and defending UK waters. 8 Annual Review 2018

Above and below: Abigail telling schoolkids about the rich heritage they share in Govan

Fairfield and Govan Old volunteers get together to discuss progress and plan the new season.

Doors Open 2018 Below: Lorne Street schoolchildren enjoy a hands-on introduction to the various “ Amazing Volunteers!” stages of building a ship, from producing FAIRFIELD VOLUNTEERS welcomed and drawings to riveting. Having marked out on looked after more than 800 visitors — local, a corridor floor the actual scale of the ship national and international — during a busy and joined ‘plates’ together with wooden Doors Open Days Festival in September. ‘rivets’, the picture shows them lying Guided tours, talks, informal chat and a horizontal , feet firmly planted on the lines range of play activities for children were of each deck. all on hand. And, according to the guests’ entries in the visitor book, the volunteers did a first class job.

‘Amazing visit! Amazing volunteers! A fabulous building and a great working space for Family History the next generation’ IF YOU are interested in finding out about your family history, there’s a ‘Lovely experience. Very well new group at Fairfield that can get you presented and very friendly started. The Fairfield Family History people’ Group, formed in May 2018, welcomes new members. ‘Well done to everyone who has Fairfield volunteer, Pat Calder, worked to bring this beautiful building back to life’ helped bring the group together and explains: “We’re a small friendly group ‘Feeling proud of my Govan & interested in family and social history shipbuilding heritage! Wonderful research, and we’ve all different levels restoration project’ of experience. The more experienced members are more than happy to help ‘Stunning. Amazing to see a anyone who’s a beginner. They can building come back to life and also help those who are a bit further the community spirit that down the road but need advice on worked towards this’ what other sources of information ‘Unexpected delight on a wet might be out there to move their afternoon. Good summary of search forward. The group has a the meaning & significance of special project at the moment which is ‘Fairfield’s’. Thank-you! research into some of the soldiers who died in the First World War. “ ‘Very informative. All Glasgow Meetings of the Fairfield Family school children should see History Group take place every this exhibition. It brings local alternate Thursday from 11am to 1pm history to life’ at Fairfield Heritage,1048 Govan Road. 9 Annual Review 2018

Voyage of Discovery THEY ARE the young stars of a great The film was co-directed and produced show and thoroughly merited the red by Dr David Archibald of Glasgow carpet rolled out Hollywood-style, as University’s School of Culture and Govan Old – pop-up cinema for the night Creative Arts along with Martin Clark and – hosted the UK premiere of their award- Cara Connolly from production company winning work. Connolly Clark Films. “Govan Young” documents a voyage Dr Archibald, a Govan resident for 30 of discovery for a group of Govan years, said: “The children’s journey to Young schoolchildren as they learn about their discover the lost kingdom of Strathclyde past and the history of their community. has certainly sparked interest well Exhibiting little prior knowledge of and beyond Govan. We’re delighted that ambassadors no great respect for the place they the film has been received so warmly live in, the Pirie Park school pupils are at film festivals and that audiences from Pirie guided, through interviews with Glasgow internationally have responded positively University’s Stephen Driscoll, on a tour to the Pirie Park Primary pupils. They are that takes in the Viking invasion of the stars of the film, and their character, Park Primary Central Scotland and the formation of intelligence and humour shines through the medieval kingdom of Strathclyde in every single frame.” impress in film with Govan its spiritual centre. They face Govan Young was funded by the surprise after surprise as they visit Govan University of Glasgow’s Chancellor’s Old Church and, eyes ever widening, Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and festivals around marvel at its ancient graveyard, royal Historic Environment Scotland. sarcophagus and collection of medieval the world sculpture. There they meet a group of Gal Gael warriors! The real beauty of the film emerges through the interviews and words of the children themselves, which betray traces of the re-appraisal and awakening in their minds about the place they live in, and an unfolding pride about their heritage and community. World premiered at the Lucknow International Children’s Film festival in India, the largest children’s film festival in the world, Govan Young has gone on to become a great success on the international film circuit. It has been screened at over 25 festivals, including Bangladesh, Canada, Peru and Malta, picking up awards in Greece and South Korea. It will be released on YouTube later this year. 10 Annual Review 2018

The Glasgow Barons at Govan Old Sounds of summer From orchestral to sacred, SONG AND MUSIC were in abundance Old hosted a one-day conference and at Govan Old during a packed two-week exhibition in partnership with opera to folk — Govan programme of events that ran over the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Old welcomed a wealth of the summer of 2018. Pride of place School of Art. Pilgrims and Pilgrimage: musical talent in 2018 was taken by The Glasgow Barons Sights and Sounds of the Sacred featured orchestra and its season of concerts, poetry readings, pilgrims’ own stories and titled Serenades of Govan Old, which reminiscences, as well as performances brought together a delightful and of early and contemporary church music. heady mix of high-end classical, Gaelic The site of Govan Old, which dates and Scottish folk sounds. back to the 6th century, was almost The concerts included appearances certainly a place of pilgrimage, its 9th by award-winning singer/songwriters century sarcophagus thought by some Ainsley Hamill and Norrie MacIver to have contained the remains of the who, following a special collaboration Scottish Saint, Constantine. What is with Govan Reminiscence Group, not in doubt is that Govan Old’s rich performed new material to celebrate and extensive collection of sculpture the lives of heroic characters from is evidence that the site was a place of Govan’s past. high status and significance. The Glasgow Barons was launched OPERA AND FOLK were the strange in June 2017 by Music Director musical bedfellows that came together and Conductor Paul MacAlindin in a series of events developed and with a simple goal of providing an hosted at Govan Old in July. Govan opportunity for everyone in Govan Scots Language Week included music to enjoy making and listening to live by The Scots Opera Project and by one music. ‘Govan’s Own Orchestra’, as it’s of Scotland’s rising folksingers, Iona come to be known, is involved in local Fyfe. The event’s other artistic content community and school projects such was equally diverse ranging from as Musicians in Exile, reaching out to displays of original artwork illustrations asylum seekers who were musicians in from ‘Oor Wullie’ and ‘The Broons’ their home culture; Strings and Drums, comic strips, to axe-throwing displays a series of drumming workshops for and medieval re-enactment performed local at-risk teenagers; and Govan High by The Strathleven Artizans. Govan Composers, an initiative to help pupils Scots Language Week was produced in write their own music. partnership with the National Library The Serenades of Govan Old concerts of Scotland’s Dr Michael Dempster. were supported by grant funding from Finally, Govan Old was the venue for Creative Scotland, Glasgow UNESCO City a series of eight weekend organ recitals of Music, Govan Cross Townscape through July and August, performed by Heritage Initiative and The William Grant a number of talented musicians. The Foundation. series was sponsored by The Friends MUSIC OF a more religious genre was of Govan Old in partnership with the the order of the day in May when Govan Glasgow Society of Organists. 11 Annual Review 2018

important ecclesiastical centre and called Tòrr an Aba, “the mound of the place of learning. He may well have abbot”. MYSTERY ON disappeared from history after his The mound and its location have death in 597 except for a chronicle, provided a fascinating mystery for both Vita Colum Cille (Life of Columba), the ancient and modern worlds. The written 100 years later by a successor modern story starts in 1957 when a at Iona, Abbot Adomnán. The Cornish archaeologist, Charles Thomas, I O N A account spread word about the saint arrived in Iona to carry out excavations THE COMMUNITIES of Govan and throughout the Christian world and and made an intriguing discovery. In Iona have long enjoyed a special turned Iona into a high-status place of the area of Tòrr an Aba his team found relationship through their shared pilgrimage for Christians and royalty. hazel charcoal which was the remains tradition of Early Medieval Sculpture In the chronicle, Adomnán described of a wooden hut. The ground appeared and common history with The Iona in particular how Columba would to have been marked out in earlier Community. It was Govan Old’s spend much time in his scriptorium, times as special, covered with beach charismatic Rev George MacLeod who a cell, which stood on a rocky hillock pebbles and bearing a hole that could founded the Community in 1938 and it — and it was there he worked, prayed well have held a post or cross. Thomas was the hands of Govan’s unemployed and spent his last days. The rock was was convinced he had discovered that started the rebuilding of the the exact spot where Columba’s cell famous abbey. had stood and he carefully gathered The historic ties resurfaced again samples of the remains. recently when, as part of the BBC’s But he couldn’t prove it. In 1957 the nationwide Civilisations Festival, technology simply did not exist to date Govan Old was the venue for a lecture the finds, and, as a result, his work was which brought some illumination to not published in an academic paper. the legend of Iona’s famous saint. No matter, he carefully preserved “New Light on Columba’s Monastery what he had taken and, together with on Iona” was the title of this year’s notes of the dig, ferried them around Tom Davidson Kelly Memorial Lecture in the years ahead from university to delivered by Glasgow University’s Dr university wherever he worked, even Ewan Campbell. Part of the lecture and as he rose to academic prominence. of Dr Campbell’s Iona story focused on When he finally retired, Professor discoveries that took more than half a Thomas locked the samples away in his century to unfold and are as intriguing garage in Truro. as the legend of Columba itself. And there they sat for five years Recognised as having introduced until Dr Katherine Forsyth, an expert Christianity to Scotland, the saint is on Iona’s Early Medieval Sculpture, said to have founded his monastery contacted him to inquire about them at Iona in 563, which became an and the possibility of new research. 12 Annual Review 2018

More than happy to part with them in mystery. It would prove or disprove these circumstances, the samples were Professor Thomas’s claim. Trusts Keep Doors Open granted to the former Historic Scotland The samples were tested, and the THE GENEROSITY of a number of for conservation and cataloguing. results found: the charred remains charitable trusts has supported the It is at this point that our Govan dated between the years 540 and continuing operation of Govan Old and Old lecturer enters the narrative. 650 AD. Columba died in 597. Beyond helped keep the building open and Just over 12 months ago, as part of doubt the saint’s scriptorium had been available for public use. The following Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and identified. grants were made to Govan Heritage Archaeology, Dr Campbell won a grant Sadly, Charles Thomas did not live Trust in the course of the year. from Historic Environment Scotland to to see his work vindicated. He died in undertake new work that would allow 2016 before the definitive date of the Bellahouston Bequest Fund £ 5,000 the samples to be tested using modern samples was established. Robert Barr Charitable Trust £ 5,000 Thomas Tunnock Ltd £ 1,000 radiocarbon dating techniques. Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust £ 1,000 After 61 years and with knowledge Anyone interested in more detail about Iona The W. M. Mann Foundation £ 1,000 research may contact Dr Ewan Campbell at of the remarkable accuracy the new W A Cargill Charitable Trust £ 1,000 technology would bring, it was a [email protected] landmark and exciting moment in the Total £14,000

THERE WAS a lovely international flavour A Tale from Mexico to one of this year’s stories. An 80-year-old woman arrived at Doors Open with her daughter, son and grand-daughter who were all from Mexico. Her story goes back to 1939 when she was just one year old and living in Spain. That was the year her family’s life was thrown into chaos by the Spanish Civil War, forcing them to flee their native land and seek a new life in Mexico. They travelled across the Atlantic by ship whose name and place of origin was etched in the family history — SS Sinaia, Glasgow. She, Mrs Regina Gonzalez, had come to Fairfield to find out if the ship had been built there and she spoke to one of the volunteers, Tristan Lindsay and maritime historian Ian Johston. They immediately got down to work. Sinaia was traced but alas it was not built in Govan. The Ocean Liner had been constructed in 1922 just across the river in Barclay Curle’s for a French steam navigation company. But the story of SS Sinaia’s eventful life proved an interesting one. She played a big role at the end of the Spanish Civil War when Republicans were fleeing Franco’s violent reprisals and she carried thousands of them across the Atlantic to Mexico, a twenty-day voyage. The final numbers of refugees who made the trip are estimated at between 20,000 to 25,000. Mexico was one of the few countries prepared to accept Spanish refugees and offer diplomatic protection. Sinaia’s story ends in the Second World War, seized by the Germans in 1943 for use as a Hospital Ship, and scuttled in 1944 off Cap Janet, Marseilles, before the end of the conflict. For the Gonzalez family, the visit to Fairfield had been well worthwhile. They were delighted to have finally learned more about the ship that had changed their lives. “It has made our day”, said Regina’s daughter, Ana, as they left. 13 Annual Review 2018

generated a surplus of £151,846 compared our income, expenditure and assets with to last year’s £130, 941. a view to ensuring financial affairs are Financial Moving now onto Restricted funds – conducted in a prudent and effective money we receive connected with specific manner. The aim over the coming year grant-funded projects such as Govan Old is to start climbing back towards the Review Walkway and Govan ferry — we took comfortable zone of 80% occupancy where in £44,342 and spent £79,770, leaving we will finally see the cashflow easing. a deficit of £35,428. It is important to note that this does not represent a loss, it appearing as a deficit only because it represents a snapshot of the situation at 31 March 2018. Public funds are frequently received in one financial year and spent in another. In the balance sheet, the Net Asset figure has improved for a second year, increasing by £95,233 to £4,893,169 mainly because of long-term debt dropping as a result of capital repayments to loans. The position relating to current assets and liabilities is less positive, with liabilities rising by £42,644. It should be noted, though, that £15,715 of that relates to new deposits paid by incoming tenants during the past year and much of the remainder to Bill Pritchard, Finance Director investments made in the modernisation of units, something we have managed to do THE WEAK financial climate affecting the despite the tightness of the cashflow. small business sector is beginning to feel We will continue to monitor and review never-ending and continues to have a negative impact on profitability and jobs. A couple of years ago I recall reporting on Summary Statement our improving lettings and an impression that the clouds were finally lifting after of Financial Activities eight years of relative gloom. Well, the lettings were recovering at the time but, Unrestricted funds Restricted funds regrettably, it was short-lived. The small 2018 2017 2018 2017 business economy, which is where we earn £ £ £ £ our living, continues to face challenges. Incoming resources For us, this year’s fortunes have been Rent and services 865,430 875,112 0 0 mixed. A bright flurry of new lets in Investment income 0 58 0 3 late 2017, following investment in the Members subscriptions 25 90 0 0 modernisation of several units, was quickly Grants received 10,000 0 36,469 904,800 Donations 3,449 3,219 7,873 16,631 eclipsed by fallout from the collapse of Total incoming resources 878,904 878,479 44,342 921,434 two of our largest tenants at the start of 2018, one a manufacturer and the other a national charity, both with us a long time, Resources expended indeed the manufacturer for more than twenty years. In the present climate it will Operating costs 645,197 637,704 14,226 5,868 take months to fill the 9,000 square feet Finance costs 61,056 89,333 0 0 Depreciation and sale of assets 20,805 20,501 0 0 they vacated and the real impact will be Development projects 0 0 65,544 914,251 felt in the 2018/19 period. Total resources expended 727,058 747,538 79,770 920,119 Nevertheless, I am pleased to say that, despite all of these challenges, we continue to weather the storm. The ground gained Net incoming/ (outgoing) resources when we reported last year’s progress has been held. Average occupancy across our before transfer of funds 151,846 130,941 -35,428 1,315 four sites has dropped just 1% to 74%, rent & services income falling to £865,430 from Gross transfer between funds 0 0 0 0 £875,112. However, our sundry income this year was higher than last, and took total revenue to £878,904 compared to Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before £878,479. On the expenditure side we reduced our running costs by £20,480 other recognised gains and losses 151,846 130,941 -35,428 1,315 to £727,058. The final result is that we

14 Annual Review 2018

Some of Fairfield’s award- winning volunteers and staff (left to right), Abigail Morris, Graham McKee, Pat Calder, Bill Caird, Aileen McGowan, Colin Quigley, Jean Melvin and Pat Cassidy

Fairfield scoops creation of its new museum. said: “Heritage projects across Scotland Funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber play a vital role in protecting our historic top heritage award Foundation, the Heritage Angel Awards environment. At HES we work closely with A PRESTIGIOUS Scottish heritage award is run by the Scottish Civic Trust in a diverse range of groups, individuals, has been won by Govan Workspace’s partnership with Historic Environment volunteers and professionals, supporting volunteers and staff at Fairfield. The Scotland (HES) and Archaeology Scotland. the work they do through investment, as honour of Best Rescue of a Historic They celebrate Scotland’s diverse range of well as sharing our guidance and expertise. Building was presented to the team at groups and individuals who excel in their The Scottish Heritage Angel Awards is the Heritage Angel awards in Edinburgh efforts to rescue and promote the nation’s an opportunity to celebrate the positive in October 2017 in recognition of the heritage. difference these heritage projects make to exceptional work and commitment that Speaking at the time of the award, communities all over Scotland.” went into Fairfield’s restoration and Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES,

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 £ £ £ £ £ £ Summary Incoming resources Rent and services 865,430 875,112 0 0 Fixed assets 6,718,304 6,690,538 Balance Sheet Investment income 0 58 0 3 Members subscriptions 25 90 0 0 Current assets 62,900 110,074 This summary has been Creditors: due within Grants received 10,000 0 36,469 904,800 prepared for the purposes Donations 3,449 3,219 7,873 16,631 one year -447,506 -452,036 Total incoming resources 878,904 878,479 44,342 921,434 Net current liabilities -384,606 -341,962 of this annual report from the full audited financial Total assets less statements of the company. current liabilities 6,333,698 6,348,576 Resources expended The full accounts were

Operating costs 645,197 637,704 14,226 5,868 Creditors: due after approved by the Board on 17 Finance costs 61,056 89,333 0 0 more than one year -1,440,529 -1,550,640 September 2018. A copy of Depreciation and sale of assets 20,805 20,501 0 0 the full financial statements

Development projects 0 0 65,544 914,251 can be obtained by written Total resources expended 727,058 747,538 79,770 920,119 Net assets 4,893,169 4,797,936 request to our head office.

Net incoming/ (outgoing) resources Funds Restricted funds: O’Haras, Chartered Accountants and before transfer of funds 151,846 130,941 -35,428 1,315 Govan Old Pathway 7,877 25,231 Registered Auditors, are satisfied that Govan Ferry 567 4,415 the above summary is consistent Exhibitions 700 11,660 with the company’s full financial Gross transfer between funds 0 0 0 0 Website 0 3,266 statements. Total restricted funds: 9,144 44,572 Unrestricted funds Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before Designated fixed assets reserves 5,003,334 5,001,816 Members subscriptions 1,117 1,092 other recognised gains and losses 151,846 130,941 -35,428 1,315 General reserves -120,426 -249,544 Total unrestricted funds: 4,884,025 4,753,364 Total funds 4,893,169 4,797,936

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Annual Review 2018 Right. All aboard for another successful season—Govan Workspace staff (left to right) Pat Cassidy, Emma Semple, Mary McCullagh, Frazer Capie, Abigail Morris, Maureen Downs, Ro