Welcome to the latest edition of your guide to all that’s going on at Govanhill Baths.
A highlight of March is our celebration of International Women’s Day with a special six-day festival of exhibitions, workshops, talks and more. See the full programme at www.govanhillbaths.com/IWD2023.
Also in March, the official launch of our book Little Donegal: The Irish in the Gorbals and Govanhill takes place. We are delighted the author, Colm Bryce, will be joining us along with other exciting guests. This book has proved so popular the first edition is sold out but we are now printing a second!
Staying with history, we have two new arts groups to help you explore the past – and future – of Govanhill. Our introductory photography project adds to that with the chance to capture the spirit of our community on film. No need to have a camera as we supply that, along with all the tips you need to get snapping.
If you would like to get into woodworking, join our club and get access to all the tools you need along with support from our friendly trained staff.
Along with all this, we have workshops in upcycling, ceramics, gardening and cooking! And as ever, our popular wellbeing programme keeps you healthy in mind and body.
We have something for everyone, so jump in and join in!
What’s Going on at Govanhill Baths?
An update on our beloved building
We have achieved so much!
- The last surviving Edwardian swimming baths in Glasgow have been saved
- The building will always remain in the hands of the community
- More than 1700 people have taken part in our wellbeing and heritage activities since lockdown
That being said, there have been challenges along the way. A building that has been derelict for 20 years holds many surprises, and if you combine that with the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the war in Ukraine, all of which have affected staffing levels and the availability of materials, you can see what a challenge it has been! All capital projects nationwide are experiencing delays, and we are no exception.
The original budget of £6.5 million was proposed before any of these events. So was the schedule of reopening in the building in 2023. It is now unlikely that we will be able to open the building this year. But never fear! We are aiming to reopen the baths as soon as possible in 2024, and have an exciting plan of activities in the meantime to keep everyone informed of what is going on.
We couldn’t do this without you, the people of Govanhill. We feel blessed to have such wonderful friends to support us. And from conversations with you, we know that now more than ever there is a real need for an accessible and affordable wellbeing centre in the local area.
On top of this, our funders have stuck with us through thick and thin, and we have enjoyed political support across party lines. Our hard-working staff continue to produce amazing work in wellbeing, food security, the arts, upcycling, heritage, youth work, and more. We work with a wide range of partner organisations across Govanhill and beyond, sharing our knowledge and resources far and wide.
Our building will be state-of-the-art, and will be accessible for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at our website to find out more, and look out for our upcoming community consultation, where we will be finding out what activities you would like to take part in when the building reopens.
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch. You can email Katherine at: katherine@govanhillbaths.com
Yoga
A free gentle yoga and relaxation class to help you stay fit and healthy. Suitable for beginners. More details: tinyurl.com/7w5jh7rv
Cast Offs
Mondays | 12:15 – 2:15pm (Excluding Bank holidays)
Click for location information
Ever wanted to learn to knit or crochet? Or are you an experienced knitter and want to have a natter and a cuppa? Then Cast Offs is for you!
LGBTQI+ Gardening Group
Fortnightly on Mondays | 6:00 – 8:00pm
Join us for a series of workshops on growing food and gardening. More details: tinyurl.com/k4xpat4u
ESOL and Crafts for Women
Tuesdays to 18 Apr | 10:00am – 12:00pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Learn English and try some fun crafts! We have some free childcare spaces available. To join, please send a message to 07927 640647. Women only (inclusive of trans, non-binary and intersex folk).
Carving for Mental Wellbeing
Thur 02, 09, & 16 Mar | 6:00 – 8:00pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
We are excited to work alongside Pathcarvers for these sessions. You will learn wood carving skills at your own pace, led by Ida, who has many years of carving and therapeutic experience. More details: www.tinyurl.com/3ysxbw9s
Fishing
We are excited to work alongside Pathcarvers for these sessions. You will learn wood carving skills at your own pace, led by Ida, who has many years of carving and therapeutic experience. More details: www.tinyurl.com/3ysxbw9s
Introduction to Raku | £100
Session 01: 26 Mar, 11:00am – 1:30pm & 02 Apr, 11:00am – 3:30pm
Session 02: 14 May, 11:00 – 1:30pm & 21 May, 11:00 – 3:00pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/bdzktf2w
In the first session you will be guided in the creation of a tea bowl or small vase using pinch, slab or carving techniques. Once your piece is finished it will be left with us to dry and get bisque fired. In the Second Session you will glaze your works and watch as we fast-fire it live in our Raku Kiln. The works will then be placed in reduction burn bins and finished off in a water bath for your enjoyment. All your work will be ready to take home at the end of this session. Raku ware is for decorative use only. No experience necessary. All materials, glazes and firings included.
Ceramics Handbuilding – Suitable for Beginners
Wed evenings, 22 Mar – 12 Apr | £125
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/yeyk75cb
Over four consecutive Wednesday evenings, we’ll guide you through various techniques to get a ‘handle’ on hand building. Starting with the basic techniques, of pinching, coiling and slabbing, you’ll gain confidence in working with clay and have scope to try some of your own ideas. Beginners will be fully supported throughout. More experienced participants will be given the room to develop.
Wood Club
Wednesdays 08, 15, 22 & 29 Mar | 6:00 – 8:00pm | £60
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/4662f82k
Gain access to our space and library of tools, where our knowledgeable woodworking facilitators will provide useful making tips and tricks. Wood club sessions can be booked in four-session blocks. These blocks will be ongoing so if you enjoy it, come back for more!
Includes: Full induction to workshop machine tools, provided as a one off session at the beginning of membership; small project storage; support and guidance from facilitators and more. After your induction you will have access to our library of tools including: saws; drills; routers; sanders; hammers; and, many more!
Sewing for Beginners Evening Course
Wednesdays 08, 15, 22 Mar & 05, 12, 19 Apr | 6:00 – 8:00pm | £120
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/2p96u3tu
This six-week course is packed with learning and will have you making several simple sewing projects to build your knowledge and sewing skill set. Starting out from the very basics, sessions will take you through how to set up a sewing machine, sew using a variety of techniques, correct cutting methods and how to sew a zip. Using upcycling principles throughout, you’ll contribute to the ever-growing world of slow fashion and gain the understanding and confidence to use a sewing machine to create your own upcycling projects at home!
Introduction to Jesmonite Casting
Thurs 06 Apr | 6:00 – 8:00pm | £25
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/yny76crd
Jesmonite is a more sustainable alternative to concrete and combined with recycled plastics can make some really amazing designs for your home. All the plastics we use are sourced from our very own collection ranging from recycled sledges, packaging and toys!
You’ll make four designs using two moulds including a mini plant pot and three candle holders, which you can take home with you on the day!
All materials and equipment are provided by us including our colourful range of recycled plastics!
The Pallet Challenge! A Zero Waste Woodworking Course!
Thursdays 09 – 30 Mar | 5:30 – 8:00pm | £80
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/yxvrm832
Fun and creative ways of using palette wood, the material that’s always left on the street. Learn how you can reuse and make rather than buy new. This course will go through how to deconstruct a pallet, the design process, drawing plans, how to use woodworking tools as well as finishing techniques such as sanding and oiling. All culminating in you taking home a handmade pallet piece of your own making!
While you don’t have to be a complete expert, we recommend participants have at some familiarity with woodwork. If you’re a complete beginner, try our Introduction to Woodworking course first – found on our Workshops page.
Introduction to Injection Moulding
Thur 09 Mar | 6:00 – 8:00pm | £25
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/mufrh56s
Learn about plastic recycling, as well as how to use an injection moulder! We’ll start by exploring the different kinds of plastics and how to shred them using our granulator. Then, we’ll choose injection moulds and the colours you’d like to use and melt them with our injection machine, leaving with a finished item to take home on the day. We have a fun range of small moulds for you to choose from, including carabiners, animals and more!
Furniture Upcycling Course
Saturdays 22 & 29 Apr | 12:00 – 4:00pm | £70
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/529wasap
Upcycling furniture can be a messy job so why don’t you do it in our workshop rather than your home? This two-session class will give you access to our workshop and its tools to work on an upcycling project of your choice – getting practical advice from our Woodwork Facilitator. You’ll learn how to strip an old finish, fill holes, then paint or stain and add any new hinges or door knobs that you bring, learning DIY and basic hand tool skills along the way in the safe environment of our workshop.
Dreamlands: An Exhibition (Free)
Fri 03 – Sun 05 Mar | 11:00am – 6:00pm
Thur 02, 6:00 – 8:00 with drinks & snacks
Fri 03, 11:00am – 1:00pm with coffee & pastries
20 Albert Road, Glasgow G42 8DN
Further details: www.tinyurl.com/4mcwbzkm
An installation of collaborative ceramic works and a new, sensory sound piece made in Dreamlands community workshops. The exhibition will also launch a new edition of the Dreamlands publication.
Dreamlands is a cross-disciplinary project by artist Mina Heydari-Waite, weaving together ideas arising in collaboration and conversation with the dreamlands pottery (a group of women* from global majority backgrounds) and in walking together we make the path (a social dreaming workshop open to people of marginalised genders). The project asks: can the act of sharing our dreams create possibilities for new thought about how we occupy space in our shared waking world?
Dreamlands is a Govanhill Baths Culture Collective project, interpreting the theme of OCCUPY! through socially engaged artistic practice.
*Our use of the word women is inclusive of trans and intersex women, and non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women.
Dreamlands: Amulet Workshop
April: Fri 07, 11:00am – 1:00pm or Thu 13, 6:00 – 8:00pm or Fri 14, 11:00am – 1:00pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/mry7u8mj
(This is a single workshop available on three dates. Participants book one date.)
This workshop will use our dream-lives as a point of departure to create a collection of ceramic amulets. You do not have to be a vivid dreamer to attend this workshop; while the session will involve sharing literal dreams, it will also be a dream-like space in which associations including memories, thoughts and feelings can also act as ‘dreams’.
The workshop is open to women and non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women. Our use of the word women is inclusive of Trans and Intersex women. A communal meal and a £10 Tesco gift card (in lieu of participant travel expenses) will be provided. Childcare and taxis can be arranged as needed.
Govanhill… As I See It!
Thur 30 Mar | 6:00 – 7:30pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/3jj9j5j3
A new photography project to capture the spirit of this unique and vibrant community. We’re calling on residents of Govanhill to sign up to photograph the places, people and moments which speak to and celebrate what is special about Govanhill from your perspective!
Join us for this introductory session where we will discuss the project and guide you through some photography tips on composition and lighting. All participants will receive a FREE disposable camera and journal to document what it is they love most about this community, creating an alternative portrait that celebrates Govanhill as it is today. Led by Jude Mckechnie and Martyna Maz. Open to people who live or work in or near Govanhill.
Remembering the Future (Youth Group)
Thursdays to 23 Mar | 5:00 – 7:00pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/2p94dvpy
Exploring Govanhill’s past and present. A series of weekly fun workshops will be hosted by artists Paria Goodarzi and Francisco Llinas. Open to young people from age 14 to 20 who are interested in the history and artefacts of the Govanhill area. The workshops will explore the art through a variety of creative activities, guided walks and museum visits, and responds to local histories, urban spaces and cultural experience.
Sounds Outside, Sounds of the Body
Audio Workshops
Tue 14, 21 Mar & 04 Apr | 1:30 – 3:30pm
The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/2sdbk2px
This three-part workshop series will explore how to record and collect sounds of nature, as well as use different recording techniques to record sounds of the body. In these sessions, we will cover recording using phones, stethoscopes, underwater mics and binaural mics (which create a 3D sound). We’ll reflect on how we want the world around us to sound, and we’ll play with drawing and projecting our own recorded pieces. Be part of a friendly group, meet new people, try new techniques and come away with your own sounds and projections piece. Each session will start with a free group lunch. Newcomers to working with sound are very much welcome!
When completing the booking form please let us know of any access needs that we might be able to help with. Led by Ros Fraser.
Remembering the Future (Women’s Group)
Wednesdays to 22 Mar | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Milk Café, 452 Victoria Road. Glasgow G42 8YU
Book a place: www.tinyurl.com/fvcwxkzv
Exploring Govanhill’s past and present. Weekly workshops open to women from global majority backgrounds interested in the history and artefacts of the Govanhill area.
The workshops will explore the art through a variety of creative activities, guided walks and museum visit responding to local histories, urban spaces and cultural experience.
Our use of the word ‘women’ is inclusive of Trans and Intersex women. These workshops are also open to non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women.
Archive Shout-Out
We are always looking for information to help us build a more complete picture of the Baths over time. If you have any memories of the Baths or Steamie from before its closure in 2001, the Save Our Pool campaign, or more recently, please get in touch. Maybe you have some photographs, trophies, medals, or any other objects relating to the history of the Baths and the activities that took place in them.
Please get in touch if you have anything that you would like to donate, loan or share or if you would like to visit the archive. Contact Paula on 0141 439 3919, or email archive@govanhillbaths.com
Thanks!
Little Donegal: The Irish in the Gorbals and Govanhill – Book Launch
Tues 14 Mar, 6:00 – 7:30pm | Dixon Halls, 656 Cathcart Road Glasgow G42 8AA
This event is sold out but you can take part on Facebook Live, just go to: www.facebook.com/GovanhillBaths
Colm Bryce sketches a picture of the ever-constant ebb and flow of people between Glasgow and Donegal over many generations.
At the launch Colm will be joined for a panel discussion with Niki Crossan, member of the Govanhill Baths Irish History Group, Christina McBride who will talk about the Glasgow Gweedore Archive and Evin Downey, who will talk about Conradh Na Gaeilge Glaschú. The book includes contributions from the Govanhill Baths Irish History Group, who also recorded material which is available to listen to here: www.govanhillbaths.com/archive/littledonegal
You can join the Irish History Group here: www.facebook.com/groups/667932118053682
Copies of the book will be on sale at the launch and will be signed by the author and Irish History Group contributors. The book is available for the remarkable price of £5: www.govanhillbaths.com/product/little-donegal-book
(This event is rescheduled from 7th December 2022.)
This project has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. The fund was delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.
Monthly Soup Kitchens
Last Sunday of the month | 1:00 – 2:00pm
Outside Lidl, 300 Victoria Road, Glasgow G42 7RP
Welcome back to our monthly Soup Kitchen which will now take place outside Lidl on Victoria Road! Please come down to enjoy a free, delicious meal and to learn about the People’s Pantry and our growing project. If you would like to volunteer at the Soup Kitchen then please get in touch with Fi at: fi@govanhillbaths.com
Weekly Gardening Sessions
Wednesdays | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Carfin Street, Glasgow G42 7QA
Come and join our weekly garden maintenance session! This is a drop-in session and hot tea will be provided! Please come for as long or as little as you wish.
Cooking and Growing Workshops
Fortnightly on Fridays | 4:30 – 6:30pm
The People’s Pantry, 488 Cathcart Road, Glasgow G42 7BX
Every fortnight we will be exploring all aspects of the food system, from sowing seeds to pickling food! Upcoming sessions include: seed sowing, introduction to soil care, herbal remedy making and chutney making. To receive information about joining an event please email fi@govanhillbaths.com
Tue: P4 to P7, 3:00 –5:00pm | S1+ 5:30 – 7:30pm Wed: S1+ 5:30 – 7:00pm / Thur: P7 & S1, 5:30 – 7:30pm
The Base, 494 Cathcart Road, Glasgow, G42 7BX
We run an exciting programme activities for primary and secondary school children. These include arts and crafts, graffiti, songwriting, cooking, outdoor activities and youth awareness workshops.
