During the Empire Exhibition in 1938, a new type of tram car designed for the Coronation of King George VIth (and named Coronation Trams) was used on routes passing Bellahouston Park.
During the 1920's and 1930's work was in short supply, so people found hobbies that were interesting but did not cost much money. Co-operatives, Churches and other organizations formed bands, choirs, drama classes etc. Schools also encouraged these skills. Festivals for these artistic groups were held at St Andrew's Hall during the summer season and very high standards were set. During the Empire Exhibition, the building of the Palace of Arts became the venue for the Glasgow Festival. Groups from all over Scotland met in competition. Among the choirs was the Albion Motors, Male Voice Choir. This was a unique choir. All of the members worked on nightshift (as they were all on production, they had to produce the same quantities as their dayshift mates) The choir joined together to sing during their meal breaks between the hours of 2:00 and 3:00 A.M.!
Some of the pageant type of shows were held at Ibrox Park. The Scouts and Rovers of Glasgow provided one of these shows. The finale being some 200 Rovers dancing the "Dashing White Sergeant" on the grass pitch (Pipe Band providing the music). The people in the stand were most impressed.
In the closing days of the exhibition, during the twilight, people marched around the perimeter of Bellahouston Park carrying torches attached to long poles - a spectacular sight in the gloaming.
Hector Black
Glasgow
Bob [ I can find anything] GGGG
Posted 11/20/2009 4:14 pm
