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Opening Remarks

Hello and welcome! Hope you’re doing great. The sudden passing of singer Sinead O’Connor has shocked people all over the world. I was never someone who listened to her records all day long but I’ve always admired her brave spirit and willingness to stand up for what she believed in.

Mental health and charity are recurring themes of this newsletter. After all, I write here about food banks, community hubs, mental health support groups and uplifting family events.

Sinead spoke out about mental health a long time before it was cool, before mental health became a buzzy term adopted by big corporations and banks that only care about making money. Selfless charity was always close to her heart as well. It brings me to an anecdote I would like to share with you.

Once, a journalist wanted to interview her. She refused. He then saw that she was publicly asking for donations to a donkey sanctuary. He made a donation, hoping to change her mind. A moment later, she emailed him saying: “Thanks Mr Edwards - but when a woman says no, she means no”.

I thought that was funny. This weekend’s newsletter is a wee tribute to Sinead. As always, if you have an idea for a feature - contact me by replying to this email. And please remember that you can forward this to other people.

Happy reading!

Tom

The Ultimate Guide to Free Kids’ Meals This Summer

A Library Like No Other

Glasgow Women’s Library is the only accredited UK museum dedicated to women’s lives, history and achievements. It was established in 1991. Since 2015, it’s been located in Bridgeton, East End.

Don’t be fooled by the term library. It’s not only books you can find there! The place contains various memorabilia including newspapers, magazines, textiles, posters, artworks and more. Many of these objects come from the times when society wasn’t accepting of women’s autonomy - such as dodgy, grotesque postcards with graphics that now serve as proof of how far we have come as a society, even though there still is a lot of progress to be made. The total number of archived objects exceeds 300 000!

The library also hosts events. Susan Calman launched her book there, Glasgow School of Art students were invited to exhibit their works in the museum and Nicola Sturgeon officially opened the venue after a period of renovations.

Breaking down societal barriers is tremendously important to Glasgow Women’s Library. One of its aims is to bring together women from the most diverse backgrounds, enable vulnerable voices and help them access resources and education.

It’s important to mention Women’s Heritage Walks, during which they offer information on significant women who lived in a given area of Glasgow. Some of the best, most touching stories are often untold or completely niche. Initiatives like this one help connect such tales with people who want to hear them. If you’re interested in visiting the library, click here to see the official website.

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust’s Family Fun Day Is Tomorrow!

Our friends at the Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust have something rather special in store for you tomorrow. It’s their Family Fun Day. For just a fiver, you can enjoy more than 130 vintage buses, as well as other remarkable vehicles you wouldn’t see anywhere else. Luke Skywalker’s misunderstood daddy Darth Vader will also make an appearance with his army of stormtroopers. Don’t worry, they won’t be using their blasters. And even if they did, they can’t aim anyway.

Other attractions will include a Paint-a-Bus activity, face painting and a band! If you live in the East End, the Trust will provide a free (vintage!) bus service between their garage in Bridgeton and Easterhouse.

Families can access the event for just £12 altogether which makes it a perfect Sunday out. Whether you’re a Jedi Council member or a fan of all things vintage, it’s a perfect and quirky way to spend your Sunday. Please feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested, such as your family members or friends who have children. Payment at the door is accepted, even by card. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. because Vader needs to change batteries in his helmet. Click here for more info.

Five Quick Questions with Megan Black

Originally from West Lothian and now a part of the Glasgow music scene, Megan Black is everything we need from a modern rock star. Her music is rooted in womanhood and inspired by blues and early jazz. I asked her five quick questions - about Glasgow, about Sinead, about her plans for the future. Check out her brilliant songs Mother. Sister. Lover. and Freedom Belongs to Him.

What’s your favourite thing about Sinead?

I love that she always focused on her authenticity as an artist, regardless of what people thought of her. Her songs are beautiful and she spoke for people who maybe didn’t have a voice otherwise.

Which song by Sinead do you love the most?

It’s a hard one! Possibly Universal Mother or Drink Before the War.

What do you think her legacy is?

Her willingness to speak up. She made people feel seen.

Best thing about Glasgow?

The people, always.

What are you looking forward to the most?

My new music I’ll be releasing soon. And I have lots of shows coming up, too! Very exciting.

The song of the issue is Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’Connor

That’s it for today, folks! Whatever your plans are this weekend, I hope you have a lovely time. See you in two weeks’ time.

All the best,

Tom