Whitehill Former Pupils’ Club
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East Dennistoun Walk |
Dennistoun Historical Walking Tour.
On Saturday 17th October, a fine sunny morning, 13 members gathered at the new Whitehill School gates on Onslow Drive, for a walking tour planned and admirably led by John Munro. John although a local boy who grew up in Dennistoun had clearly researched the area and was able to impart lots of snippets of information and stories along the way. The new school is built on the site of the Golfhill Cricket Club.
We walked up Cumbernauld Road to its junction with Alexandra Parade and Appin Road, where we discovered the location of the newsagents shop owned by (FP) Rikki Fulton's mother and father. After a discussion about the Lea Rig public house and the Alexandra Parade Cafe and its jukebox, we had a short walk in Alexandra Park, to the fountain. Many had stories to tell about Aly Park, the bandstand, boating ponds, fishing and other matters, not for this Newsletter. Walking on along the Parade westward we talked about many friends who lived in the apartments along the way, and the cafe culture which existed in the 1960's in the area. Only the Swallow Cafe at the top of Meadowpark Street and the Bungalow (renamed) remain as eateries. Alas the Park and Parade Cinema's are also long gone. Many will have fond memories of the back row in the Parade. The good news is that Alexandra Parade School is still there and looking good after recent renovation.
Turning into Whitehill Street, John pointed out several of the remaining “wally closes” which are in good condition. These are beautifully tiled entrances to the flats. On the west side of Whitehill Street we looked over at the opulent Victorian villas, once the residences of ministers of the church, high flying bank managers and businessmen. We carried on down the street again looking at flats where friends grew up and ended the walk at the gates of the old school and Buffalo Bill's statue. After a photo session we adjourned to Coia's Cafe on Duke Street for an excellent lunch and blether. A great day was had by all.
Next year, we plan to have a walk covering the area west of the school.