The years go by - but Barshaw Park always needs friends
A community group is looking for new friends.
The Friends of Barshaw Park are asking others to join them and help with activities and improvements in the green space in the east end of the town.
“We are always on the lookout for some extra help, whether it be gardening, landscaping, writing, leaflet dropping or fundraising,” a spokesman said.
“Join us to volunteer your skills and experience to help improve Barshaw Park.”
Recent activities taken part in by the Friends of Barshaw Park have included the highly- successful Scottish Gardens’ Scheme Walled Garden Open Day, the Junior Park Run, and Barshaw Gala Day.
Becoming a Friend of Barshaw Park is also ideal for history enthusiasts.
It was more than 100 years ago that Paisley Burgh Council started looking for a location for a public park.
Eventually, it bought the 55 acres of Barshaw from the Arthur family in 1911. James Arthur of Barshaw was one of the most successful merchants of his time
“We hope that the Friends of Barshaw Park can emulate some of that spirit to bring the park back to some of its past glory,” the Friends say.
The park officially opened on June 15, 1912.
Also of interest is Barshaw House on the edge of the park.
This is a beautiful house which has served many purposes from family home of the Smiths and the Arthurs, to a military hospital for soldiers during World War I.
Many will remember it as a maternity hospital through to the 1960s, and then as a geriatric home. It is now converted into flats.
You can become a Friend by completing the application form at https://www.friendsofbarshawpark. org.uk.
“We won’t ask you to do anything other than support our cause to improve Barshaw Park,” the Friends added.
“We’ll keep you informed with events and activities and you will be invited along to our meetings.”