r/Glasgow Tools

So my granny and her best mate ran a menage for as long as I can remember, and probably long before I was born! They were both from council estates in the east end originally, so I have no idea how it started but was likely a savings scheme to help out those in the community who didn’t have access to any loans, or who had a mistrust of putting savings in the bank.

I remember loads of people being involved - family, friends and neighbours. When my grans council estate was demolished and they all moved away, the menage kept them in touch as they’d all make the effort to drop off their £5 to my grans every week. My gran would meet her pal in a diner in shettleston every Saturday to pass on their sides share of the money to pass on to whoever’s turn it was that week. Turns would be planned out in advance so no fighting over whose turn it was that week. Christmas turns we’re always popular ofcourse!

Some people had multiple turns - my dad always had 3. One in April for his car tax, one he’d give to me and one to my sister, like a bi-annual pocket money!

I loved getting involved as a kid and my gran would let me help plan the turns. Taught me about money management from a young age which I’m grateful for now! It was a well respected commitment - missing your “bill” would affect someone in the community so everyone made the effort to make sure they paid on time.

As my gran got older, her best mate passed away, as did many of her family, friends and neighbours involved. Now it’s just her and the immediate family involved, so not much money in it. I think they do it now out of tradition more than anything else! Explaining to my other half from London he thinks we’re all daft, but I think there were so many benefits. The money management support, using it to teach your kids how to save up for things they want, and the community spirit that it kept alive.