IN 1970s Glasgow, regeneration meant some communities faced huge - and often unsettling - change.

In the north east of the city, when Hugh McAteer and his family moved into Barmulloch, the area was undergoing a massive transformation.

“Buildings were going up and some were being knocked down, everything was changing,” he explains.

“The community centre became the real heart of the place.”

It is to Barmulloch Library and Community Centre that the Evening Times Thanks for the Memories tour is heading next.

On Tuesday, September 10, from 10.30am until 12.30pm, we would love to hear your stories and see your photographs of old Barmulloch, Springburn and the surrounding areas. The library’s own Glasgow history section will be on display too.

Hugh got a job as janitor at the local community centre in 1973 just after its official opening by David B McNee, Chief Constable of Glasgow. Back then, the library was in the smaller, white building behind the centre on Rockfield Road which is now Rockfield Nursery School. The library moved into the centre in 2003.

“It was fantastic – so many local clubs and groups used the place, from Chest Heart and Stroke, who are still going strong here, youth clubs, dance groups, there was always something going on,” says Hugh..

“The atmosphere was brilliant and it felt like it was the place everyone could come to, just to be part of the community. We were watching the schools and the old college being knocked down, and housing going up in their places, and churches closing down and I think the centre just became a hub as there was nowhere really for people to go.”

Hugh is a member of the local advisory board, which aims to keep local people in touch with what is happening in the community, and to promote and provide events and activities in the centre.

“We hope we give local people a voice,” he says. “We are all volunteers and we fundraise to run different community events, too.”

Librarian John McMahon said the centre was keen to set up a local history group.

“There is a real buzz about the centre, it’s great to see so many clubs and societies using the place,” he says. “We are hoping to build up our local history collection too and start a group for anyone interested in exploring the area’s past.”

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Hugh has many fond memories of moving to Barmulloch.

“It felt great – we’d been up a close with a shared outside toilet, now we had two bedrooms and an inside toilet,” he laughs.

“Our kids grew up here, and they went to the local school. It was always busy, with the kids playing outside on the streets. If someone had a bike, we’d all have shots on it.”

He recalls the freedom and excitement of playing in ‘the Field’, behind Quarry Wood, where there was an old bing which acted as a magnet for local children.

“It is now a landscaped park and it’s lovely, but we called it the adventure park,” he smiles. “There were also three Glasgow North football teams - it would be great if anyone had old photos or information about them.”

Perhaps you remember the adventure park, the old bing, or the shops? Come along on Tuesday, September 10 and share your stories. If you cannot make it along, please email or write to us at the addresses below.

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Through our regular library drop-in events, which have now taken place all over the city, and our letters page and email banks, we are compiling a fantastic archive of stories and pictures, all dedicated to the city we love.

Email ann.fotheringham@heraldandtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB and share your photos and stories.