A social club for elderly and disabled people in East Renfrewshire has celebrated its 30th birthday.

Members of Band F (Barrhead and Neilston Disabled Forum) enjoyed a celebration yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, September 24) in the hall at Dunterlie Resource Centre.

Those who came along were treated to a buffet and entertainment from singer Andy Williams to mark the big occasion.

Chairperson Margaret Reilly told the Barrhead News: “We had a lovely day and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“The group wouldn’t run as well without the volunteers who help out every Tuesday.

“I would also like to thank MacPhees in Barrhead for their catering and Scotmid who gave us a donation of cake and things.

“Thank you also to Jane Hughes who organised the catering.”

(Image: Newsquest) Also joining Margaret on Band F's committee are vice chair John Trainer, her husband James, who is the group’s treasurer, and Laura Henry, the group’s secretary.

Band F has been operating in East Renfrewshire since 1994 and was previously based in Barrhead Main Street.

Its aim is to get people out of isolation, bring them out of the house and get them mixing with other members for a cup of tea, a game of bingo and a day out somewhere.

The group has managed to continue on with its much-needed and much-loved meet-ups and day-outs after securing funding over the years from places such as the National Lottery Community Fund.

Like all other groups, Band F, which meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm in Dunterlie, was forced to stop gathering in 2020 when the Covid pandemic hit but was delighted to start back up again in April 2022 with a buffet and some bingo.

Since then it has enjoyed gatherings such as a St Andrew’s Day Party with a visit from the Folks’ Music Project CIC.

(Image: Newsquest) Every festive season, Band F also hosts a Christmas dinner for all of the members with steak pie, turkey and all the trimmings.

They are also treated to a visit from Santa who brings everyone a small gift.

Recently the group has been on trips down to Ayrshire for a meal and to the Old Plane Tree pub and restaurant in Darnley.

“I’ve been in the club for about 14 years and I’ve been chairperson for about 10 or 11 years,” explained Margaret.

“It was started with founding members before I joined and they have all passed on and the members were asking to keep it going, so we managed to keep it going for one day on a Tuesday afternoon.

“We try to bring older members out of their houses so they can get a wee blether and a cup of tea.

“Some Tuesdays I organise a fritter day for them and I get a load of fritters brought down from the chip shop. They like that. Sometimes I get an entertainer in.

“The bus goes round about their doors and picks them up and brings them to Dunterlie. It then comes back to Dunterlie and drops them all off at their door.

“I would like to thank the bus driver Tam Gebbie who has driven for Band F from day one for 30 years.”