the History spot
by Renfrewshire Local History Forum
Johnstone’s Smallest Square
by Margery Parker, of Johnstone History Society
Situated at the corner of Beith Road and
Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing
the Linn Brae, almost unnoticed, there is a
seated area known as Gordon Square. It is
I have been in the hairdressing business for more years than I care to
small for a square, much smaller than the
remember. I qualifi ed and worked in a salon in Nottingham before
well-known Houston and Ludovic Squares, and
becoming a state registered professional hairdresser. My husband
many people may not recognise it as being
works for the power industry and has followed the work wherever it
worth much attention. This little square is
has taken him. We moved to Lochwinnoch in August when my husband
dedicated to the memory of General Gordon
Colin took a job with Babcocks. I have now started my business again
of Khartoum! If you visit the square you will
covering clearly Lochwinnoch and the surrounding area.
see a memorial tablet on the gable end of
I have always worked as a hairdresser and have always enjoyed meeting
the old building which once was Quarrelton
new people. I have particularly enjoyed becoming a part of this
School.
community as I did whilst we lived and worked in the south. I consider
General Gordon was born on 28th January, 1833, in Woolwich,
my job a community activity helping to oil the wheels of local activities
England. He was the son of a Royal Artillery offi cer, and followed his
and people I serve.
father into the military life and had a distinguished military career. In
I provide a range of hairdressing services including; perms, cuts, blow-
1862 he was sent to protect the European trading station of Shenghai
dry’s and sets. My prices are competitive supplying everything a salon
from the Taiping Rebellion. After defeating the Taiping Emperor,
would.
Huing Hsui, he brought to an end the civil war which had raged in
Feel free to call me, even if you just need the occasional appointment
China for years.
whilst your full time hairdresser is on holiday.
In recognition of his service, Governor Li Hung Chang presented him
That’s me and I hope you will give me a call.
with the highest honour possible in the Chinese Empire, the Order
of the Yellow Jacket. With this accolade he became, with fi fty nine
Paisley Rotary’s Quest for Talent
others in the empire, second in rank to the Emperor himself. It was
after this that he became known as George ‘Chinese’ Gordon.
The hunt begins on Friday 26th March at 7pm in Paisley Town Hall, to
He returned to England and was stationed at Gravesend. During this
fi nd Paisley’s next big star. Open to people aged 7-18 with the ability
time his father became very ill. His father’s illness affected him
to entertain, the winner will receive a promotional video, a trophy and
greatly and he entered a stage in his life where compassion and good
a cash prize. The evening will be hosted by Smooth Radio’s Dougie
works were a driving force. He personally nursed his father during the
Jackson.
last days of his life. Later he did some teaching in the local Ragged
All money raised will be split between the Yorkhill Child Trust and Rotary
School, he nursed, clothed and fed the sick and opened up army
International’s Polio Plus Charity. Call 0141 887 1010 for booking and
land for the poor to farm. He set up pensions for several elderly
information.
people and it is believed that he gave away ninety per cent of his
army stipend. This he continued to do until his death at the Battle
Glasgow International Glasgow Art Fair
of Khartoum. Along with his entire garrison, he was killed on 26th
January, 1885, two days before his fi fty second birthday.
Comedy Festival
Glasgow Art Fair returns
But what is the connection with Johnstone? The Laird of Johnstone,
to the trademark white
George Ludovic Houstoun, had met General Gordon and had
Venues throughout Glasgow. pavilions in George Square
corresponded with
Europe’s largest comedy festival returns
for its 15th year. The Fair
him during his many
for its eighth year, with stars including
presents work from over 50
travels. Saddened
Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert,
selected galleries and arts
by General Gordon’s
Lucy Porter, Dara O’Briain and Lee Mack
organisations from across
death, the Laird had
plus many more!
Scotland, the UK and overseas
the square built in
to offer buyers and visitors a
A line up packed with international
‘a tranquil tree-
wide range of contemporary
guests, family shows, comedy drama,
canopied setting’ to
art under one roof. 25th -
workshops and brand-new talent.
the memory of his
28th March. Tickets from
11th - 28th March. Shows individually
friend.
£7. Contact: 0141 552 6027
priced. Contact: 0141 552 2070 or visit or visit the website at www.
© M. Parker 2010
www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com glasgowartfair.com
Bridge of Weir History Forum
History Society
Renfrewshire Local History Forum is an
umbrella organisation bringing together
March 29th is our 21st AGM local history groups, including Bridge of
followed by “The Rise & Weir, Lochwinnoch and Johnstone History
Fall of the Glasgow Tram” Societies, in the ‘old’ Renfrewshire.In
by Ian Stewart. addition, the Forum is involved in local
April 26th is “A People
history research and publication.
Apart? Irish Immigrants in The Archaeology Section actively promotes
Renfrewshire & the West interest in local archaeology by recording
of Scotland” by David local sites, excavating and publishing.
Roberts.
All RLHF meetings are held in Paisley
Meetings held on Mondays Museum and Art Galleries on Thursday
at the Freeland Church Evenings at 7.30pm.
Hall at 8pm.
20 MARCH 2010 | send your ARTICLES & PHOTOS to info@advertizer.co.uk www.advertizer.co.uk| 01505 874385 | www.theadvertizer.co.uk
186_MAR10_18-25 LIFESTYLE.ind.indd 20 19/02/2010 11:44:45
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