Ex-Glasgow bus and taxi driver's shock encounter with a giant snake
One he has never forgotten happened at the Round Toll in Pollokshaws.
'I pulled up at the stop, and a man shouts in the door, 'oi, mate, can I bring this on?'' recalls Jim.
'It was a Shetland pony.'
He laughs, with a shake of his head. 'I said, no, of course you can't. You really did see all sorts on the Glasgow buses.'
Last week in the Glasgow Times, Jim shared his memories of a dramatic night in the city's history. He was one of the fireman who fought in vain to save the St Andrew's Halls after a blaze broke out in the historic building in October 1962.
Jim, centre, with colleagues from Glasgow's fire service (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Jim's service to the city has been remarkable, as in addition to his years in the fire service, and on the Corpy buses, he worked as a police officer and a taxi driver.
'I enjoyed the taxis, because you got to meet people, and really talk to them,' says the 85-year-old.
He adds, wryly: 'I mean, you met people in the police too, but not always in the best of circumstances.'
Jim recalls one night picking up a fare in the city centre.
(Image: Newsquest)
'It was a man carrying a big bag, and as we're driving along, I look in the mirror and see that what was in the bag is now over his shoulder – and it's a huge python,' he says.
'I nearly drove off the road. He said, 'it's okay, he ate yesterday' and I spluttered, 'I don't care when he ate, he's not riding in my taxi,' and I threw them both out.'
Now living in sheltered housing in Kirkintilloch, Jim loves to tell stories from his life growing up and working in the city. He has a son Graham and twins Laura and Ronnie, six grandchildren - Connor, Liam, Glenn, Ben, Bruce and Amy – and one great-grandchild, four-and-a-half-year-old Rhea.
Jim with daughter Laura and great-granddaughter Rhea (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Today, Laura and Rhea are visiting, as Jim recalls his childhood in the East End.
He lived on Madras Street in Bridgeton, named after the Madras muslin which was woven into curtains in the factories nearby.
'I nearly got killed there, one day, when I fell through the roof of the place,' he says, cheerfully.
'I'd gone up to get a ball that had been kicked up there, and fell right through the roof. Luckily, because it was a Sunday, the place was empty and the looms weren't working.'
He adds: 'Had they been on, I would no doubt have been killed when I fell into them.'
As it was, Jim was badly injured in the fall. He jokes: 'So my mum waited a few days before she gave me a leathering.'
Jim and Helen on their wedding day (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Glasgow has changed beyond recognition from the city he grew up in, acknowledges Jim.
'I went back to Madras Street not that long ago, and it has all gone,' he says, sadly.
Jim was a police officer for almost seven years, leaving the force when he met his wife to be, Helen.
'We met at the Albert Dance Hall,' says Jim, adding with a smile: 'I wasn't much of a dancer, but we hit it off.'
(Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Helen sadly died in 1991, when Laura was 18.
'My mum was the centre of our family, she kept us all together,' she explains. 'She had cancer.
'My dad had a really tough time after she died, coping with three teenage kids. It was hard.'
Despite his own health problems, Jim is still going strong.
'I just got on with my life, and there were plenty of ups and downs,' he says. 'I gave a lot to Glasgow, but I got a lot out of it too. And I've been happy.'
Share your stories of growing up in Glasgow by emailing ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
4 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
The Glasgow care home where residents are learning Italian
in this small group, most are in their late 80s and 90s, many are living with dementia, and all are about to achieve an SQA Level 2 qualification in Italian. Today is their final lesson and teacher Gloria Lattanzi is a delight, full of energy and laughter, as she leads her students through their workbooks, gently cajoling them into recalling things they have learned over the last 10 weeks. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She covers Italian geography, history, art and music, peppering her lesson with interesting facts. 'Leonardo da Vinci was a vegetarian,' she informs the room, before a quick quiz tests everyone's knowledge of colours and numbers, and they round off the session by listening to a beautiful Italian song. 'It is a real privilege for me to teach these people, they are so enthusiastic, so full of joy,' beams Gloria. 'And they are good. They have all learned a lot, and remember much of what I have taught them.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Activity co-ordinator Shareen Beg explains: 'Our home prioritises dignity, engagement and wellbeing for people living with dementia and this project is part of a wider effort to create stimulating and inclusive activities. 'Some of our residents are native Italian speakers, so we thought it would be good to learn their language. "Lingo Flamingo, an organisation that specialises in bringing language learning to older adults, have been delivering the sessions and it has been a lot of fun.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She adds, smiling: 'We are incredibly proud of them all – it's a pleasure to watch them flourish, step out of their comfort zones and engage with fellow residents. It has been heartwarming and inspiring.' Agnese Campopiano (Image: Anne Marie McGhie) Agnese Campopiano was born in Santa Maria Oliveto, a small town north of Naples. She came to Glasgow at the age of 18. 'It was the 1950s and many Italians came to Scotland looking for work,' explains her daughter, Anne Marie McGhie. 'She lived with an aunt and uncle on Woodlands Road. She met my dad, Mario, in Glasgow – he too had left Italy as a teenager. He ran a chip shop on Dumbarton Road and they got married in 1959.' Agnese with her husband Mario and family Annamaria (Anne Marie), Luciana and Carlo (Image: Anne Marie McGhie) Both Anne Marie and her sister Luciana were born in St Francis Maternity Hospital, which stood on the site of the current care home. Their brother, Carlo, was born in 1968. Agnese, who was a home help and retired at 60, in 1995, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. Her short term memory has been affected, says her daughter. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'She loves the Italian classes,' she adds, smiling. 'It gives her a lot of joy.' The lessons have also sparked memories for fellow Father George Gillespie, who worked in Rome for 13 years. 'I did parish work, and spent some time at the Vatican,' he explains. 'I learned a little bit of Italian, not much, but I'm finding these lessons very good.' (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Father Robert Hill moved into St Francis's around 18 months ago. He and his sister Carlyn grew up in Calton, 'I love the classes, they are great fun and we learn a lot,' he says. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Carlyn adds: 'The classes are a great idea. I know Robert has thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. It gives him a sense of purpose, it's really worthwhile.' She adds: 'It's fascinating to see how the brain works. He has been diagnosed with a mild cognitive impairment, and often he can find it difficult to make himself understood in English. "But then he speaks Italian, and all he has learned comes back and it's really quite something. 'It's a challenge, but the teachers are just fantastic and make it a lot of fun.' Gloria teaches with enthusiasm and joy (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) Shareen, and fellow activity co-ordinators Davina Rowan and Janet Johny, are organising a special graduation ceremony for the residents. 'It's been a great 10 weeks,' says Shareen, smiling. 'It's been wonderful to hear Agnese speak her native language, and to see the joy the classes bring everyone. "With hearts full of pride and joy, we will have a party to celebrate their incredible journey.'
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Are refugees given priority for social housing in Glasgow?
Those who get the blame are not necessarily those who caused the problem but often can be suffering from the problem just as much as anyone else. The homelessness crisis in Glasgow has spiralled out of control and shows no sign of abating. In fact, it is getting worse. Today is World Refugee Day and while Glasgow prides itself on being supportive as a city, not everyone approves of rolling out the welcome mat. Many people have argued that migrants and refugees are getting homes ahead of the settled population. Last month, a senior councillor responded to say migrants were not given priority over local people for social housing. The reaction in some quarters was to basically call the councillor a liar. Many people feel that migrants, particularly refugees, are being put to the front of the queue for housing at the expense of people who have lived here all or most of their lives. The language usually refers to 'our own'. So, what are the facts? Homelessness has increased and Glasgow City Council declared a housing emergency in December 2023. Since then, the situation has become intolerable. In the last three months available, February, March and April, the council received 2017 homelessness applications and, of these, 763 were from refugee households. Non-refugee homeless applications outnumbered refugees by more than two to one. At the last count, there were 4236 households in temporary accommodation, including hotels. Of these, 2342 have refugee status. So bad has the homelessness crisis become, the council is forced to spend more than £40million a year on hotels for homeless people just to prevent rough sleeping. In hotels and bed and breakfasts, the council has 1721 households. Of these 1246 have refugee status. Refugees in hotels outnumber non-refugees by almost three to one. Recently, the Glasgow Times spoke to a refugee couple who spent more than a year in a hotel for homeless people. When someone, an individual or family, is granted leave to remain, they are not automatically given a tenancy. Instead, they face the same hardship as other homeless people who are not refugees. Based on the numbers, refugees are more likely to be in hotels than other people. The criteria to be moved out of a hotel into a temporary accommodation flat make no mention of refugee status. Glasgow City Council said: 'Each household's situation is unique, and we make decisions on moving to them to an alternative placement on an individual basis. The Unsuitable Accommodation Order is a factor in the decision to move a household to alternative accommodation.' When asked if there are any circumstances that give priority to someone to be allocated a hotel room or temporary accommodations, the council said there were not. When asked, 'Is there any priority throughout the processes given to people with refugee status that is not afforded to other people?' the answer was: 'No.' The largest provider of social rented homes in Glasgow is Wheatley Homes. Their allocation policy by law is based on housing need. Priority is given to statutory homeless people, people who are living in overcrowded houses, those who are occupying houses which don't meet the tolerable standard and those who have large families and people living under unsatisfactory housing conditions. Again, no specific criteria are mentioned about refugees or arriving in the city from another country. The homelessness emergency has put pressure on Wheatley Homes Glasgow's stock. It commits to give 60% of its new lets in Glasgow each year to homeless households. For 2024/25 and 2025/26, that commitment is for at least 1600 lets. The social landlord has an ambitious wider target of making 11,000 homes available to tackle rough sleeping by the end of 2026. It has several bands based on level of housing need. The top three are: Band A: Wheatley Group tenants who require urgent re-housing to prevent homelessness Band B: Statutory homeless referrals Band C: Preventing homelessness The stated policies of both the council and Wheatley, as the biggest social landlord, do not mention refugees as a category. The numbers in temporary accommodation and the extremely high number in hotels strongly suggest that refugees are not being fast-tracked into tenancies ahead of other people. There is a finite amount of available homes and the flow of people coming through the asylum system is leading to more refugees on the waiting list for housing. But there appears to be no evidence that they are getting preferential treatment. The Glasgow Times also asked the housing minister, Paul McLennan, if refugees or migrants were given priority. He said he knows from his time as a local councillor for many years that is not the case. The increase in asylum seekers in Glasgow who then get refugee status has led to more people who need accommodation. But according to the available numbers, policies and statements, they are treated the same as any other homeless person.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Call for memories of famous Glasgow building for new book
It's one of many myths circulating about the George Square building, but it's extremely unlikely, according to an author who is writing a book about the city landmark. 'I mean, the Vatican is like a marble quarry, it has so much of it,' says Nina Baker, smiling. 'What we can say, though, is that the grand marble staircase inside the building has around four times as much marble as the famous 'holy stairs' in the Vatican. 'There are well over 100 steps in the City Chambers, and only about 26 steps in La Scala Sancta – so that claim is certainly true.' (Image: Newsquest) Nina, who was a councillor in Glasgow from around 2007 to 2017, is researching the history of the City Chambers for her latest book and she is hoping Glasgow Times readers can help. 'I have lots of people willing to tell me about the goings-on inside the building, but what I'm looking for are stories about the building itself,' she says, wryly. 'I'm looking for the oldest 'living memories' I can find from visitors or people who worked there. 'I'd love to talk to the workies, the people behind the scenes who might have been involved in putting in electrics or boilers, for example, or the steeplejacks who cleaned the stonework in the 90s – what tales can they tell me about the place?' (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) She adds: 'I'm also collecting the myths and legends, what Glaswegians believe about the building, which may or may not be true.' The City Chambers were designed by Paisley-born, London-based architect William Young, who won a competition organised by the city. A public holiday was declared on October 6, 1883, for the laying of the foundation stone. Around 600,000 people watched a trades' march of skilled workers from the city's heavy industries as Lord Provost John Ure did the honours. (Image: Glasgow City Archives) In August 1888, the topmost stone - the apex of the central tower - was installed, and Queen Victoria performed the inauguration ceremony. In 1889, a 10-day public viewing attracted 400,000 people. The pediment above the main entrance shows Queen Victoria enthroned and surrounded by figures of Scotland, Ireland and Wales receiving homage and congratulations of her subjects from all parts of the world. (The original proposal was to illustrate the Clyde and the city's manufacturing going to all parts of the world, but it was changed to mark the Queen's jubilee in 1887.) Above the pediment are statues representing Truth, Riches and Honour. At the very top, Truth is known by some as Glasgow's Statue of Liberty because it bears more than a passing resemblance to the famous New York lady. The building's beautiful Banqueting Hall includes murals by several famous Glasgow Boys, depicting Glasgow's past, present and future. These are lit by huge electric chandeliers, which are winched down annually for cleaning. Nina's fascination with the building began almost by accident. 'I discovered by chance that there are tunnels beneath the old building, which connect it underground to the 'new' bit, which was built in 1913,' she explains. 'These were used as archive stores, coal and ash stores, and it was fascinating to have a nosey around.' (Image: Newsquest) Upstairs, there is an old members' library, full of fascinating books preserved in glass cases. 'When the library moved to the Mitchell, doubles of the books were made to ensure the shelves in this lovely room were populated,' says Nina. 'In one of the cupboards, there were enormous leatherbound books, about a metre high, which were the city scrapbooks. 'Those are fascinating – they are full of records like seating plans and menus from city events.' Asking Nina for her favourite spot in the whole building is 'too difficult a question,' she says, with a laugh. 'Although standing at the bottom of the marble staircase looking up is hard to beat,' she says. 'In the 10 years I was a councillor, every single time I walked into the building, I thought – what a privilege to work here. It really is an amazing place.' Can you help Nina by sharing your stories about Glasgow City Chambers? Email or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.
