The Kellys of Kelvingrove by Margaret Thomson Davis Read Free Book Online Page A

Reid?’
    ‘He’s a Clydesider, a ship builder and a union man, a leader and a self-taught intellectual.’
    ‘He is the true spirit of Scotland because he is self-taught? Ah, like me?’
    Bashir laughed. ‘Yes, OK, Pop. But in a bigger way. I mean, he’s taking on Heath’s government. Heath wants to close all the shipyards and that would make at least six thousand workers lose their jobs.’
    ‘What can this Jimmy Reid do?’
    ‘It’s in all the papers. Instead of going on strike, he’s told everyone they’re going to have a “work-in”. They would fill every order on their books. Look, there it is in the paper.’ Bashir read out, “‘We are not going to strike. We are not even having a sit-in strike. … And there will be no hooliganism, there will be no vandalism, there will be no bevvying, because the world is watching us.”’
    ‘No bevvying. That means drinking alcohol, doesn’t it?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘He does sound like a good man,’ Mahmood admitted. ‘Like a good Muslim. Not like you, Bashir. You drink.’
    ‘Och, just the odd pint, Pop. Anyway, lots of us are getting together to help them. We’re trying to gather money, anything we can get,’ Bashir said. ‘I’ve put a collection box in the shop. It’s to help keep them supplied with food. They’re going to be shut in there, working hard, probably for months.’
    Mahmood sighed. ‘You are a kind man, Bashir. Not a good Muslim, but a kind man. I cannot deny that.’
    ‘Right, I’ll speak to the neighbours first.’
    Jack Kelly welcomed him into house number one and his wife Mae immediately put the kettle on. Bashir explained his mission.
    ‘Well, the man’s got courage, right enough,’ Jack agreed. ‘And principles. It’s a welcome change to read about somebody bringing everyone together in a good cause. I thought after the Ibrox disaster everyone had come together. Rangers and Celtic, Orangemen and Catholics, but the game was hardly over when all the old prejudices and hatred flared up again.’
    ‘All the workers will stick together to the end with a leader like Jimmy Reid.’
    ‘Yes,’ Jack said. ‘I believe you’re right, Bashir. I’ll help in any way I can.’
    Next Bashir called on the McIvors at number two. Mae Kelly came with him so that she could make sure Doris understood what Bashir had come about.
    ‘She’s getting a bit distracted with all the worry and stress of looking after her mother,’ Mae explained.
    ‘Och well, maybe I’d better not bother her.’
    ‘No, no, I’m sure she’ll be pleased to see you.’
    And indeed Doris seemed delighted to welcome them both in.
    ‘I thought it was Mrs Gardner but it’s really great to see any of my neighbours. Everyone is so kind.’
    ‘Who’s that black man?’ old Mrs McIvor called out, much to her daughter’s embarrassment.
    ‘Oh, I’m so sorry, Bashir. So very sorry.’
    Bashir laughed. ‘Don’t worry.’ Then to Mrs McIvor, ‘It’s brown, Ma. I’ve got a brown face.’
    The visit to Clive and Paul went very well but Mrs Arlington-Jones and Mrs Gardner were horrified at the mere mention of Jimmy Reid’s name. The Reverend Denby was surprisingly welcoming.
    ‘Reid is at least trying,’ he agreed. ‘No hooliganism, no vandalism and no drinking. I did my best to preach these things over the pulpit but God alone knows how many of my congregation followed my commands.’
    Bashir wasn’t sure if it was a good thing to have the Reverend Denby on his side. He’d seen the way he treated Clive and Paul. He made for the Art Galleries next with a collection box. On the way, he saw Mirza and Sandra, arms around each other and gazing adoringly at one another.
    Oh dear, oh dear, he thought. There’s serious trouble brewing there.

12
    Bashir was fond of his father-in-law, Mahmood, but he was fond of Mirza too and suffered constantly with a division of loyalties. It would have been so much better and more appropriate if Mirza had fallen in love with a Muslim