Galgael: Continuing the spirit of resistance
Galgael will be back to work this week after returning from burying there founder on the Isle of Lewis. Now begins another important Galgael milestone, the reorganisation of their work, without their chief.
Colin MacLeod knew how easy it can be for this kind of idea to slip into being; just another project; to be funded and eventually administered by the funders. There are many great ideas been lost to this kind of manipulation. This he was well aware of. It was wherefore important that the ethos that would carry Galgael, went through each member of the group like the letters on a stock of rock. (this was his responsibility) Colin understood power, and new how to use it creatively and where it would do most good, and it is this gift that will sustain the trust now.
I observed his legacy unfold from the day of Colin's passing, to the service that commemorated his life, carried out at Govan Parish Church. From the shock of his death; from the making of the coffin to the organising of the funeral, assured me that the guy had done his job well. For the man who did nothing by half's, Colin MacLeod, in one swoop, delegated his life's work, to the brothers and sisters of the Galgael, and I am sure they will rise to the task.
The organisation of the funeral renewed my faith in humanity. It was an act, led not by hierarchy but by tradition. Not by who was in charge, but what was right. Not by exclusion from the inner circle, but by inclusion of all who cared. There was great sadness, but no confusion among the sadness, for each was led by what they had learned, there was a confidence and order of what had to be done.
Galgael has become a very important factor in the Glasgow social structure and it is important that the standard they have achieved, is maintained and not only for Glasgow. There is, a big space to fill, that was one half of the driving machine that kept Galgael on the route to success. No one in Galgael would disagree, Gehan, is the other half.
Galgael workshop is overflowing with a plethora of talented craftspeople, a strong, sympathetic, staff and management structure. Perhaps some readjustments and skill sharing between these areas will be needed in the adjustment. But just as important, Galgael will need, more than ever, the goodwill and support of its friends, to help it past this difficult time.
As is usual, organisations such as this are not built buy great ideas alone. Just as important are the every day tasks. The rote tasks of day to day life, is what underpins great ideas and the people who perform these jobs, are the back bone of any organisation. (Colin was well aware of that to)
We the friends of Galgael need to give our time generously when it is needed. Not the time we can't afford, but the time we can. It is important to us all to unite and continue in the spirit of resistance, to the pressures and the social maladies that threaten our communities and in our endeavors to making the world a better place. Galgael is showing the way. Helping them, is helping us.
We are all neds now