We’re excited to be continuing the Scavenger Hunt as an outdoor Activity in Govan.
We hope that completing the Scavenger Hunt will be a good reason for folk to get outside for some fresh air and exercise, perhaps learn something new about Govan, and (of course) be in with the chance of winning a prize!
FIRST PRIZE £75 voucher SECOND PRIZE £50 voucher THIRD PRIZE £25 voucher
The next prize draw will be the 26th April 2021, GOOD LUCK!Start the Scavenger hunt NOW! We’ll have more details available next year on how and where to submit your entry, and where to pick a copy up.
Please get in touch if you would like to request copies for your school, group, or organisation. You can contact us via social media, or email govansgiantscavengerhunt@gmail.com
There is just under 3 weeks to complete the Scavenger Hunt and enter the prize draw, with a top prize of a £50 voucher up for grabs! The closing date for entering the prize draw is FRIDAY 24th JULY at 12 NOON.
For full terms and conditions, and to take part in the scavenger hunt online, head over to the Scavenger Hunt page.
You can now pick up paper copies of the Scavenger Hunt from:
This week, during our digital youth work session with our Ambition For Media group, we paused our usual creative activities and games to make space to discuss the current events surrounding police brutality and racial tensions in the US. During their insightful and moving conversation, one of the young people shared a significant gospel song which resonated with her. The lyric from this song rings very true: “when black boys are killed, we need to say something, and if we don’t say something, we are saying something.”
We took a moment to watch the trailer for ‘Riot from Wrong’ created by Fully Focused Productions, reminding us that these tensions and issues are not unique to the US.
A conclusion which arose from our discussion was the necessity for white people to really open their eyes to racism around them, and take the time to explore uncomfortable truths. There is a lot of powerful media that serves as helpful resources to educate and raise awareness. A quick google of “anti-racist [books/ films/ podcasts/ etc” is a good start. As film enthusiasts we have gathered a small selection of films, exploring relevant themes, which you can see below.
Riot From Wrong “On the 4th day of the riots, in the face of the devastation and destruction, surrounded by negativity and misconception, 19 passionate young people from across London came together to take positive action.
The critically acclaimed, eye opening documentary RIOT FROM WRONG is a result of that positive action.”
The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson
“Marsha P Johnson was an American gay liberation activist and self-identified “transvestite and drag queen” who used she/her pronouns. She was also a key player in the 1969 Stonewall uprising. Though her untimely death was initially ruled a suicide, this documentary sees activist Victoria Cruz try to find justice for her friend.”
Black and Scottish
“Racism is not just an American issue, as this BBC watch proves.
Featuring the likes of Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education) and other prominent Black Scots, this short documentary sees film-maker Stewart Kyasimire ask, ‘what does it really mean to be Black and Scottish?’”
Glasgow’s Slave Trade Past Is All Around Us
On a similar note, this short YouTube video from BBC The Social highlights Glasgow’s history with the slave trade:
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Finally, viewing some videos on YouTube is a way to donate money to Black Lives Matter through simply pressing play. Revenue from adverts will be donated to BLM charities, check out the link for more information:
In honour of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week as a part of Mental Health Awareness Month, we wanted to reach out to the mothers of our Youth Groups’ kids (as well as any other mums who might be stopping by).
We wanted to say that we recognise what an extraordinary job you are doing through this difficult time, even on the days when you don’t have the energy to do everything as perfectly or even as averagely as you wish you could. We know how much strain you are under to keep things ‘normal’ and safe-feeling for everyone else, and how easy it is to forget your own needs in that. We hope that you have people who you find it safe and easy to talk to about how you are feeling when you are facing struggles. Nobody should feel like they have to face them alone. Don’t forget that organisations like the Samaritans were set up so that everybody would have someone safe to talk to.
We have heard from some mums that the Action for Happiness calendar is a great tool for finding small manageable moments for happier and kinder days, even with a busy schedule, so we have attached the May calendar below. The theme for this month is ‘Meaningful May’ – why not try it for the month and see if you reap any benefits? We’ve included a few other links below incase they are useful to you.
Stay safe & be kind (to yourself!)
•••
My Mum’s Sari by Scottish poet and mother Bashabi Fraser
I love my mother’s sari on the washing line
Flapping like a giant flag, which I pretend is mine.
I love its silky softness when it’s folded to a square
Which I can roll into a ball and pretend it isn’t there.
I love to hold its free bit that swings over mum’s back
And wrap it round my shoulders, like a potato in a sack.
I love the pleats that fall in shape and spread out like a fan
Where my kid brother crouches and says ‘catch me if you can.’
I love to wash my dirty hands at the kitchen sink
And wipe them on mum’s sari before she can even blink.
But when she takes her anchal and ties it round her waist
I know it’s time for battle and a quick escape is best!
“Teach her that the idea of ‘gender roles’ is absolute nonsense. Do not ever tell her that she should or should not do something because she is a girl. ‘Because you are a girl’ is never reason for anything. Ever.” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Happy International Women’s Month from Plantation Productions. Over the last week, our Kidz Club have been busy creating zines in celebration of women and girls who inspire them. We learned about International Women’s Day, zine-making and most importantly, we all had the chance to appreciate the incredible women in our lives.
We interviewed and followed our brilliant D.A.F.T Media group while rehearsing for their Wizard of Oz production which produced this short film showing their wonderfully creative personalities.
D.A.F.T Media are already well into their next (and even more ambitious) theatre production, The Travelling Companion and we’re so excited to see how it turns out!
Final day of our D.A.F.T. Media Summer sessions. Filming, acting and fun. Thanks to our amazing Amanda for her brilliant workshops and planning. A great time had by all. Wishing everybody happy holidays, and look forward to seeing everyone when the clubs start back on Wednesday 15th August.
Fantastic final day of our Kidz Summer Club was spent seeing how many folk could squeeze into a glass box at Kelvingrove Museum and Art Galleries….. as you do!
Treat your ears to a wee listen to BBC Radio 4 at 1655pm this Friday, 6th July. “The Listening Project” will broadcast the first of 6 conversations between the young people from D.A.F.T. Media, and their parents. (Repeated Sunday 8th July at 2.45pm). First up is Faith and her Mum, Funmi.
What an achievement for our 5-10 year olds last week when, after just 7 weeks of rehearsals, set design, singing and acting lessons, they performed “The Winter King and The Summer Queen” drama to their friends and families. Thanks to the brilliant Claudie Layden for pulling this together in such a short space of time. Lots of happy faces.
Huge thanks and farewell to the lovely Vickie Beesley who’s been working with the Kidz Club on Drama, storytelling and puppet making over the past few months. The project culminated last week with performances of stories that the children had created, performed by their very own homemade puppets. Haste ye back Vickie!
Loving that Friday feeling at Kidz Club following last week’s visit from Childline, and this week’s brilliant Ninja Warrior puppet making. Great job guys!
Could not be more proud of our D.A.F.T. Media Club members last Tuesday night. They wowed their friends and family with a fantastic (self-designed set and) performance of “The Wizard of Oz”. First stage performance of many we hope. Well done guys and Merry Christmas everybody!
What a week … no less than TWO Kidz Club Christmas Parties … and guess what … Santa visited us TWICE. How that guy gets the time at this time of year, we will never know. Thanks Santa!
D.A.F.T Media’s production of The Wizard of Oz is finally here! We’ve spent weeks rehearsing songs, creating costumes, sewing sheets together. The weans have worked incredibly hard and learned all their lines, we’re all very excited. They’ll be performing their play in front of friends and family tomorrow evening.
It’s finally December so you know what that means?! PANTO/PLAY/THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE SEASON!
The D.A.F.T Media group have been rehearsing their Christmas play The Wizard of Oz for the last few weeks and lovely Louise has been helping them learn their songs on the Pudsey piano.
We’ve been filming the process of the production and the group’s experience of it which will be put out on our website in the New Year! Warning: The documentary might contain very cheeky comments!
Huge welcome to all our new Kidz Club members this session. Delighted to have Vickie Beesley back and leading the adventure to create Plantation’s very own Magical Mystery Museum (of Magnificent Makes)….. Watch this space!
Huge thanks to Joanne Dempster, from the Glasgow Science Centre, who took us all ‘Worm Charming’ in Elder Park today. And to finish off our brilliant 2017 Kidz Summer Club, check out the charming “Welcome To Govan” display in The Portal window the next time you’re passing. Happy Holidays!
Questions galore as the Kidz’Summer Club visited Kelvingrove Park, Museum & Art Galleries today. Picnic in the Park was followed by a colossal culture trip, prompting the burning question of the day …
“When can we get an ice cream?”
Under stormy skies, today’s Kidz Club ventured to the celebrity opening of the fantastic new Govan Pathway and Family Fun Day in Govan Old Parish Church. A big treat to see Sir Alex Ferguson … and meet Merlin the wizard!
Our brave young Astronauts recently set forth on a journey of exploration through the darkest reaches of the universe. They sought a portal to another dimension, and their journey was vibrant, creative, and lots of fun!
The children enjoyed this epic expedition with Artist Tom Van Den Hurk. They started off with exploring the idea of leaving this world, travelling through space and landing on another planet through a series of dramatic workshops. They then brought these worlds to life through drawing, model making, and play.
Great fun had by all at D.A.F.T. (Drama, Arts, Film & TV) Media session last night. Our new club runs for 10-14 year olds on Wednesdays from 6.30-8.30pm at The Portal. All welcome.
Welcome to Wednesday nights at Plantation and our new D.A.F.T. Media Club. Named by our fantastic group of 10-14 year olds who can’t wait to express their creativity through Drama, Arts, Film & Television (D.A.F.T). The club runs 6.30-8.30pm at The Portal. All welcome.
Merry Christmas fun for young and old at the Plantation Christmas Parties last week. Wishing all our members a very Happy Christmas and all good wishes for 2017.
We are excited to once again be a part of Govan Loves Christmas this upcoming Wednesday. Ourselves, Bead ‘n’ Blether and Well Crafty will have stalls at the event and there will be plenty of festive activities for all, including:
A chance to buy unique gifts from Bead ‘n’ Blether and Well Crafty
Make a wish for Govan to win a £30 gift voucher
The Portal’s Artists in Residence’s “Big Make”
Lantern making for children
The event will take place at Govan Cross from 3pm to 6:30pm with the Govan Tree being lit around 6pm.
The last film from our original Well Said project back in 2015 has been published online.
The Common Good Fund is unique to Scotland. It contains a wide range of public and moveable assets throughout the country worth millions of pounds. These assets have laws to protect them, to ensure that the fund is used correctly, for the benefit of communities.
The Common Good Awareness Project is a community group which aims to raise awareness and promote Scotland’s Common Good fund, as well as the concept of Common Good more broadly.
If you would like to learn more about Common Good and the Common Good Awareness Project, please visit:
commgood.wordpress.com
Our Wednesday Kidz Club thought they would put on a show for their Mums and Dads. Just to prove how wonderfully talented they really are. Feel free to get as creative as these guys……… it is most definitely encouraged.
Our Friday Kidz Club gave the youth Team a treat by showcasing their new T-Shirt line in the form of a fashion show. Have a look at how our talented young artists transformed their drab white tee’s into this years must haves.
Over the past 6 weeks our incredibly talented Portal Kidz Club have been working alongside artist Sarah on designing their own T-Shirts. We did not expect to find ourselves green with envy at not having our very own tailor made design. Check out what these smart fashionistas have come up with!
With our free community Highland Games event tomorrow, the portal Kidz Club campers have been training like pro-athletes. With the fastest racers and toughest worm-lifters in our number, our Heilan’ Warriors were more than ready to face the Vikings during our trip to Vikingar in Largs.
Come along and get involved in a free community event suitable for children and families. We will be in the church from 1pm, and in Elder Park from 2.30pm.
The Portal Kidz Creative Scottish Summer camp is at the haufway point; 2 weeks down, 2 to go. The kids have been wasting no time preparing for our upcoming Highland Games Event in Elder Park.
With Arts & Crafts activities celebrating all things Scottish, and learning some great new songs, they’ve no’ been slackin’ in their Scottish Studies.
They took some time out from their very serious work to hunt for Mini Beasts in Elder Park with Joanne from OPAL, had an entertaining visit from the fantastic Portal Seniors Film Club (complete with Scottish story-telling), and spent a sunny day at Glasgow Green.
One week doon of our Creative Sottish Summer Camp already! We’ve had a braw time exploring some of Scotland’s culture, traditions and….amazing language. We’ve also been taking advantage of the sunshine when it’s here, and had a fantastic visit to the Kelvingrove.
The Kidz Club took some time out of their busy recording schedule on Wednesday to try a spot of Ornithology. Our young bird-spotters teamed up with the RSPB and Friends of Elder Park to try and make Elder Park a better habitat for House Sparrows by helping to create some meadows. In recent years, House Sparrows have shown a rapid national decline in the UK, decreasing by around 60% in urban and suburban areas so the Kidz Club were more than happy to help out our feathered friends.
You can see more photos on the Friends of Elder Park Flickr – here.
The Friday Kidz Club have their eye on you, only one eye though. They also made some amazing paper ninja stars. They better be careful with them or someone will have their (origami) eye out.
All of this on top of rehearsing ahead of recording the amazing songs they have been working on with Bryan Tolland.
The kids spent time in Wednesday’s session making Fortune Tellers, and having a great time predicting each others destinies – from the sublime to the ridiculous. Beth (Plantation all-star and helper extraordinaire) made the tiniest Fortune Teller ever* – something she is hoping to make a small fortune out of.
Great session with our talented Kidz Club tonight as the budding artists created 3D sculptures of their favourite musical instruments … before an inspiring songwriting session with Bryan Tolland.
Exciting times for our Kidz Club members this week as
they get their first sight of the Peter Pan stage under construction
in the Pearce Institute. The performance is Friday 12th December.
Book your Free Panto Tickets Now from Plantation Productions,
978 Govan Road, G513AJ (0141-445-1666)
As the festive season fast approaches our youth projects are working hard towards their pantomime performance of Peter Pan. The Kidz Club will be performing and the Create Crew are designing and creating the stage set and costumes. The big event is Friday 12th December at 7pm in the Pearce Institute. Watch this space for ticket info.
Great time had by all at Feevents fantastic gig last Friday at The Portal.
The Create Crew, families and friends were treated to a brilliant line up
of talented young people, including two of our “Clydeside Story” performers,
Andrew and Aeryn. Congratulations to them on their first ever singing gig
and thanks to Fee McKenzie for all her organisation.
Great fun had by all at the Portal Seniors Film Club yesterday. Here they are posing for their latest photo shoot in preparation for their forthcoming “Happiness” Calendar. Watch this space!
Our Brilliant Create Crew had a day to remember on Monday 28th July when they went filming at Pacific Quay as part of their ‘BBC Lab’ training project. Not only did they learn some interview and film making techniques, they got to meet and interview the lovely Sir Chris Hoy. Happy days!
It’s the penultimate rehearsals for the wee ones at the Portal Kidz Club – intently practicing their guitars and putting the final touches to their costumes for the grand performances next week. We hope you’ll be there to give them the biggest cheer as they take to the stage… Performances 2pm and 6pm, Thursday 3rd April, The Govan Shed, 23 Clydebrae Street, Glasgow G51 2AJ.
There’s a real buzz in the air this week, as months of planning and rehearsals on the CLYDESIDE STORY project comes into focus for the exciting multimedia performance taking place at the Harland and Wolff Shed on THURSDAY 3rd APRIL 2014.
Using dance, drama, music, animation, circus and physical theatre, over 100 young people from across the South West will come together to show us their side of life on the Clyde. It’s gonna be AMAZING so make sure you head for The Shed on 3rd April.
Performance times – 2pm and 6pm
The Govan Shed – 23 Clydebrae Street (next to Riverside Hall), Govan G51 2AJ
Free Entry – Tickets available on the door.
Happy New Year everybody. Great things are planned for the Portal Kidz Club in 2014, so if your child would like to be involved, please don’t miss our Club Registration Night this Friday, 17th January, from 4-6pm at The Portal (978 Govan Road G513AJ).
The Portal Kidz Club is a fun and creative club aimed at 5-11 year olds. From mid-January the sessions will be twice a week on a Wednesday (4-6pm) AND a Friday (4-6pm). Due to high demand for places, each child will be entitled to a place at one OR other of the groups.
(For the first 8 weeks), we will be teaching guitar lessons at the Wednesday sessions, and drama lessons at the Friday sessions, all working towards our Clydeside Story performance event in April.
The Clubs are free to attend and we anticipate the places will go quickly. Please arrive sharp for Registration between 4-6pm on Friday 17th January, to avoid disappointment.
Fantastic night with Kidz Club and Create Crew both showcasing their hard work from the past 6 weeks with Drama Tutor, Vickie Brown from Vivace Theatre school. Great performances of some well known fairytales from the Kidz Club, while Create Crew excelled themselves with 2 short plays they’ve written about a modern day history of Govan. Keep up the good work guys and get your dancing shoes on for next week’s session!
Time to dust off the spooky glad rags again and get yourself along to the Halloween Party of the Year at Plantation Productions. Feevents has organised another brilliant ‘Unders Music Night’ with a Halloween twist on Friday 1st November (6.30-9pm) at The Portal. 6 brilliantly talented artists, fancy dress competition and party games… Be afraid, be very afraid … this party may contain nuts!
Our busy Friday Kidz Club is going from strength to strength with the brilliant Drama Workshops from Vickie from Versace Theatre School. The group are coming up with some great ideas and working hard towards “Clydeside Story”. Keep up the good work guys!
Great session at the Connect Zone Drop In last night when the Club were visited by Scottish rapper, Loki.
After an amazing performance set, Loki did a Q&A with the group. Looking forward to the next 2 weeks when he’ll be running song writing workshops, mentoring the group to write and perform some great rap songs of their own. Who knows, some of them may appear in “Clydeside Story”. If you want to get involved, it’s 6-8pm, Thursday evenings, at The Portal.
As our “Clydeside Story” Project gathers pace, our Create Crew had their first taste of Beatboxing and Hip Hop dance on Monday night. Bright Night International invited us to SWG3 Studio Warehouse for some fantastic workshops followed by an amazing performance of a live beatboxing and hiphop dance duet. We discovered some natural dancers in our wee group and Megan shone in hear beatboxing debut with big Taj. Thanks guys!
Summer school holidays may be over, but there’s plenty
to look forward to at Plantation Productions’ Youth Projects.
We’re kicking off our ‘Back to School’ season with a fantastic
Under 18s Musical Showcase this Friday (30th August).
Bring your pals and join us at The Portal from 6.30-9pm.
There’ll be cool music performed by local young musicians,
a bit of banter and free drinks and nibbles.
Creative Summer Camp is going like a train … week 4 was a blast as the group interviewed and filmed each other, sang, danced, acted, explored wildlife in the Park
and created some beautiful artwork. There was hardly any time to eat all the delicious crispy cakes we made! Yum Yum.
It’s hard to believe we’re more than half way through Creative Summer Camp already … time flies when you’re having fun … and there’s certainly been a lot of fun in week 3. Maria’s guitar lessons have identified some fantastic natural talent which resulted in a jamming session. Lots of time was spent outdoors in the park, enjoying the warm weather and some stars emerged in the Drama session and funny face competition!
Creative Summer Camp goes from strength to strength. From Drama to set building, film making, painting, yoga … and lots of monkeying around in the Park. The pictures speak for themselves!
A busy first week of Creative Summer Camp is nearly over and everyone has had a ball. The group have been singing, dancing, acting, filming, designing sets .. and even fitted in a Boxercise class. Great trip to Riverside Museum today and looking forward to ‘Stage Combat’ workshop on Friday. Bring it on!
Get your kids signed up for this amazing, creative, fun Summer Camp for ages 5 to 10 years old, running at Elder Park Library the last two weeks of July and into early August. (Monday to Friday, 10.30am – 3.30pm).
RECRUITMENT FOR PLACES TAKES PLACE ON FRIDAY 28TH JUNE 2013 FROM 6.30-8.30PM AT THE PORTAL!!
Was lovely to see the kids getting in to a wee bit of gardening with Tam – WE LOVE OUR NEW PLANTER – and going by the comments from passers by, so do all the folk on Howat Street.. Thanks to all the guys on the Men’s Den project and to Galgael for use of their workshop.
Merry Christmas everybody!
