Let Glasgow Flourish!
The tree that never grew,
The bird that never flew,
The fish that never swam,
The bell that never rang
The bird that never flew,
The fish that never swam,
The bell that never rang
The Tree That Never Grew - Or Did It? (19/08/19)
As regular readers, know Glasgow City Council has been less than helpful, so far at least, over a proposal to plant a tree in Glasgow Green to remember all the Claimants who passed away during the long-running equal pay dispute.
Now I have my own ideas about how best to respond, but if you have any suggestions please drop me a note (in confidence, of course) to: markirvine@compuserve.com
Quite why it should be so difficult to get the Council to co-operate on such a straightforward issue is anyone's guess - because you'd think the officials and politicians would be only too glad to help.
The Tree That Never Grew - Or Did It? (16/08/19)
As regular readers know, money was raised earlier this year to fund a Memorial Bench to remember all the Claimants who have passed away during the long-running equal pay dispute with Glasgow City Council.
The monies came from the Glasgow Claimants and their supporters and a bench was duly installed in George Square near the City Chambers (see posts below).
Frances Stojilkovic led this appeal through her Facebook page and around £3,000 was left over after paying for the Memorial Bench, and an idea was put forward to plant a tree in Glasgow Green (or other suitable location) as a way of making a good use of these funds at no cost to the Council, of course.
Frances wrote (by email) to the relevant GGC department but the answer that came back was: "there is no availability for a commemorative tree in Glasgow Green".
No sorry, no explanation such as 'this is not the tree planting season' - just 'go away'.
So the ever resourceful Frances decided to email the Council leader, Cllr Susan Aitken, but answer back there came none - not a word, not a cheep, nada.
Now this surprises me, I have to say.
Because the Council exists to serve the people of Glasgow - to hear their concerns and listen to their suggestions - and this one happens to come from a important part of what GCC likes to refer to as the 'Council Family'.
Yet on this issue the Council Family (or a significant part of it at least) appears to be on the receiving end of what is known as the 'rubber ear' which is very disappointing.
If you ask me, local people are entitled to expect the Council and its elected Councillors to respond with words like: 'How can I help you?' or 'What can I do for you?' - instead of a rude nil response, or a reply which amounts to 'Get lost!'.
As lots of readers will know already, Glasgow's famous motto is 'Let Glasgow Flourish' which is based on the story of St Mungo and the tale of:
The tree that never grew,
The bird that never flew,
The fish that never swam,
The bell that never rang.
So let's hope that this commemorative tree request starts to treated more seriously and with much greater respect than has been the case up till now.
If not, I imagine there are lots of people out there who are willing to make this a big issue with Glasgow's politicians since this is one tree that really deserves to grow and flourish - once the Council gets its finger out to find it a suitable home.
Well Done, Glasgow 3 ((07/05/19)
The Memorial Bench in George Square still has its flowers and since the unveiling on Friday other local people have added their own personal tributes.
Every time I pass the spot I meet someone reading the cards, or the inscription, who is interested in knowing more about the background to the bench and the long fight for equal pay with Glasgow City Council.
At some point, of course, the flowers will have to be removed and when that happens those sitting on the bench will be looking straight at Glasgow City Chambers.
So the good news is that the Memorial Bench has achieved its intended purpose already.
Well Done, Glasgow 2 (04/0519)
I walked through George Square again yesterday afternoon by which time the equal pay Memorial Bench was in splendid sunshine.
So I thought I would share another photo of the bench along with some of the many messages of heartfelt support posted on Facebook.
R.I.P 💔💔💔
L
Beautiful ❤❤xx
M
A
What a very emotional day 
xx
xxF
Just beautiful ❤❤
R
M
Big thanks to Joseph Duffy for getting our lovely bench made for us & also to Sean and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day 👌❤️
F
thanx guys ❤
E
A lovely tribute to those that died. God bless them all xx 💔💔💔
P
Beautiful tribute
B
S
The memory bench for all the workers that have passed while fighting for there Equal Pay they will never ever be forgotten rest in peace each and everyone of them 😢❤️ xxx
D
It was a lovely tribute and for Elaine’s family to turn up made it even more special 😘
The memory bench for all the workers that have passed while fighting for there Equal Pay they will never ever be forgotten rest in peace each and everyone of them 😢❤️ xxx
D
It was a lovely tribute and for Elaine’s family to turn up made it even more special 😘
M
T
Just beautiful. Maybe when this is all settled you can have a long holiday and think of yourself Frances. You’re one of the most selfless people I have the pleasure to call my friend.xxx
C
M
R
Beautiful tribute👏👏👏
A
Well done Frances.x
P
Beautiful tribute. Well done ❤️❤️❤️
S
Beautiful tribute god bless well done ❤️❤️
C
The bench is for everyone, it gives us all comfort. It will give me comfort, I am only in town twice a week and I plan to come and sit here and think of my family friend and close pal that I lost.
R
Very emotional unveiling of the bench dedicated to equal claimants who have passed away. Congratulations to all those that made this happen. It will be a very special memorial that families and colleagues can enjoy and remember. Solidarity everyone xx
Very emotional unveiling of the bench dedicated to equal claimants who have passed away. Congratulations to all those that made this happen. It will be a very special memorial that families and colleagues can enjoy and remember. Solidarity everyone xx
GMB
Last but not least a big thanks to Frances Stojilkovic and all the other Claimants who raised the funds and worked so hard behind the scenes to make today happen.
Please visit the Memorial Bench next time you are passing George Square and spare a thought for the fallen Claimants and their families.
Here is a photo of the Memorial Bench to Glasgow's 'fallen' equal pay Claimants which is sits proudly in George Square facing the City Chambers.
Some lovely flowers were placed on the bench by Action 4 Equality Scotland, Unison and the GMB.
Thanks to every who came long - Claimants, family members, GMB and Unison.
Thanks also to Sean (in the background) and his colleagues from the Council's Parks Department who ensured that everything went so smoothly on the day.
A special mention as well to Jennifer McCarey from Unison who spoke warmly of the 'fallen' Claimants and people's sadness at their untimely passing during the 12 year long Glasgow campaign.
Last but not least a big thanks to Frances Stojilkovic and all the other Claimants who raised the funds and worked so hard behind the scenes to make today happen.
Please visit the Memorial Bench next time you are passing George Square and spare a thought for the fallen Claimants and their families.
