IT’S not really so long ago that mothers and grannies like these women above took their laundry to a washhouse each week rather than put it into the washing machine at home.

Some in older generations can remember these days with fondness for, among other things, the camaraderie of the visits.
For younger generations, the washhouse can only conjure
up the images and laughs of

The Steamie, the comedy-drama by Tony Roper, which gave
the characters of Dolly, Magrit, Doreen and Mrs Culfeathers the chance to tell their stories.

Their visit has become a legendary comment on life in Glasgow in the 1950s, set in a place different generations gathered and where they
could reveal what life was like for them. Taking place on Hogmanay, the characters took the chance to look to the future.

So let’s raise a glass to toast these two women, who had the hassle of trailing their washing to the laundry in all weathers, and hope for a future where the clothes wash themselves.

Glasgow Times:

 

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland, the Right Rev W White Anderson receives the mallet and trowel to lay the foundation stone of St James’ Parish Church in Pollok, Glasgow.