Care home’s bonnie effort

The residents and staff of Kirkton House Residential Care Home in Blantyre have been buzzing recently.

They have teamed up with Bonnie Blantyre, a group that celebrate all that’s bonnie about the town, and have been out and about doing a variety of jobs to make the area pretty.

First they went wild by planting wildflower seeds all around the grounds of the Care Home, to make their own wee part of Blantyre bonnie. Then they popped down to Stonefield Park to carry out a litter pick as part of the Keep Scotland Beautiful, Clean Up Scotland campaign, singing and reminiscing as they worked.

As well as being active in the community, they have planted sunflower seeds and are taking part in a sunflower growing competition, and now also have a greenhouse packed with vegetable seedlings.

In fact, they had so many seedlings that they gifted some to High Blantyre Primary School for the primary one class to re-pot and take care of in their greenhouse.

Bonnie Blantyre spokesperson Dr Susan Lindner-kelly said: “bonnie and Grumble Bee have had a ball working alongside the residents and staff, and can’t wait to work together again soon.”

Meanwhile, Friends of the Calder action group, which works alongside Bonnie Blantyre with various town events, were delighted to welcome along almost 40 people to a river dipping session at the Calder, delivered by South Lanarkshire Countryside Rangers, Jo and Abi.

Dr Lindner-kelly who also helps run the environmental group commented: “the weather was kind to them, with the sun shining throughout. People were in good spirits with children and adults alike getting involved in seeing what beasties they could net in the river.

“They saw shrimps and leeches and also spotted a mink at the riverside. The day was finished off with some ice lollies and a blether – it was pretty perfect!“

To find out more about future events, please visit, www.facebook.com/Friendsofthecalder.