Paul Forbes: Getting
a bath in our pre-fab at Oxgangs Gardens from mum Penny Forbes. My dad used to
light the coal fire in the morning before he went off to work. My
grandchildren, literally, do not understand the concept of a living fire in the
house. Great days, when performing community service meant helping your
neighbour out!
Vanessa
Campbell: Great pic Paul, I was born in a prefab, 1 Oxgangs Place. My mother
was great friends with Penny; I have fond memories of the Forbes.
Paul Forbes: Thanks
Vanessa. If I’m honest, I’m not sure if we were the Place or Gardens as we were
right in the corner. Is Campbell your maiden name? Vanessa rings a bell, but
the Campbell bit doesn’t.
Vanessa Campbell: I'm sure you were the Place, maybe Veitch will bring
a bell?
Paul Forbes: It had to be Veitch! I remember
you well. Oor wee end of the street was paradise!!
Vanessa Campbell: It was indeed Paul, glad you remembered. Such happy times.
Those Winter Sundays
Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueblack
cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labour in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one thanked him.
I’d wake and hear the cold splintering,
breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he’d call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
Of love’s austere and lonely offices?
Robert Hayden
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