A star-studded Greenzone Govan Gathering was enjoyed by a good number of people in Elder Park on September 2 with none other than the famous Billy Boyd, of Lord of the Rings, fame there!

And we’ve got exclusive pictures to prove it. He was singing with his band The Angels’ Share and had people like Helen Kyle, one of the key organisers of the day, up dancing and giving it laldy.

Said a very amiable Billy as he signed umpteen autographs, ‘I’ve enjoyed being here. It’s great to have this event in this park which is a super asset for the community. I had a good look round before our set and bought some terrific items from the GalGael stall. And – yes! – I’d love to come back again.’

A ‘green’ team, under the local Environment Group, is working to establish a Greater Govan Environment Trust. All the partners linked activities on the day to everyday things people can do to make environmental improvements to the area.
Ken Bussey Environment Officer for Greater Govan, had challenged under 12s to design a poster, create an artwork and write a poem on the environment theme and presented the winners with their prizes on the day.

They were: – Rebecca Webster and her brothers, twins Callum and Cameron with their winning golf course model made of garbage. Natasha Gregory with her model of the Elder Park of the Future.

Poster competition Junior winner was Amber Smith and Senior winner was Emma McLachlan. Poetry winner was Elise McCuish.

One of the innovative stalls was a ‘bring and take’ stall. Around three quarters of a tonne of unwanted goods were brought to the table and left for anyone who could use them, to take them away for nothing. ‘That was amazingly successful,’ said Ken.

A Greenzone tree was in full bloom by the end of the day with people hanging ‘wish leaves’ on it saying what they’d like changed in the local environment.

The wood turners nearly ran out of wood, the bees in the glass fronted hive made some honey and lots of children (and adults too) were fascinated by the live bugs and beesties, worms and water wonders available for close examination.

Countryside Rangers led mini-beastie hunts in the Park while Falconry displays wowed other audiences. The Drakes of Hazzard – elegant Indian ducks which were moved around obstacles by trained sheep dogs – were amusing to watch and brought a real fun element to the day.

For an interesting family day out there is not much to beat a Govan Gathering so watch out for the next one.
A dog show ‘Every Dog has its Day’ will be held on Saturday 28 October in Elder Park when the Police Dogs Branch will be one of the attractions. Open from 12 noon till 2pm, the show has free entry.