I had been looking forward to visiting the Globe for so long – I’m a Motherwell native based in East Lothian since ’73.
It (to me) really is an enchanting place, despite the despicable vandalism, and I managed to find my Great-Grandmother’s resting place (vandalised!).
Now, the nice lady at N Lanarks Council had warned me not to go there alone due to the presence of sundry junkies, jakeys, and other unsavoury mutants from the surrounding area – but a ˝ mile from where I used to live and attend school!
Sure enough, on my walk down the path from the Mill Road side I was accosted by a pair of failed neurosurgeons who were swilling strong (cheap) lager and loudly abusing anyone who passed by the bench they were occupying. Even while I was searching for my family lair, they were screaming vile abuse at me through the trees from up the hill.
By the time I had concluded my research in the cemetery I had by now resolved to remove these two vile specimens from the gene pool, or (at the very least) give them a sound kicking (I am a pacifist – but straw / back / camel’s, and all that…) and throw them into the River Calder. They had vacated the bench by the time I got to that point in the path. Probably their lucky day – and mine…
What I am saying to you, Dear Friends, is this: do not (unless, like me, you are well capable of looking after yourself) venture there alone and CERTAINLY not during the hours of darkness. In fact, even a big strong chap like me would probably have little chance against a knife or other weapon… I cannot help but reflect that most of the good people interred in the Globe had probably seen more hardship and toil than these vermin who seek to terrorise such a beautiful place.
