Wood-crafted Thistle bench is right at home with our veterans
A major charity is branching out thanks to a crafty way with wood.
Gas distribution company Scottish Gas Networks cut down trees at Erskine’s Boden Boo woodland as part of work it was carrying out on pipes nearby.
But not wanting the wood to go to waste, and as a thank you to the local community who were affected by the work, SGN commissioned artist-in-wood Jonny Chainsaw to carve one of the felled trees into a stunning thistlethemed bench.
And the company donated this to ERMAC – the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre – for the use of its ex-servicemen and woman.
The bench was designed by members using the centre’s workshop and incorporates thistles from The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) cap badge, along with poppies for Remembrance Day.
The bench is to take pride of place at the entrance to the centre and was unveiled by Jason Fearnley and Sam Gillespie, both of whom designed it.
They were joined by SGN project manager David Rae and Frank Coyle and Barney Roberts, who have both recently celebrated their 93rd birthdays.
David Rae said: “When I found out I was going to be leading our pipeline project at Erskine, one of the first things I thought about was Erskine Hospital and the veterans the charity cares for. To be able to contribute something to the people who have served their country makes me immensely proud.
“We worked closely throughout our project with staff at veterans’ charity Erskine and it was fantastic to come to the centre to meet everyone. The centre and the veterans are truly inspiring.”
Debs Dickson, Erskine Reid Macewen Activity centre manager, said everyone was delighted with
East Renfrewshire Council’s Talking Points events are back this month and people are encouraged to attend to receive information and support on a range of matters.
Several new venues were added last month to expand on the opportunity available to residents to attend a Talking Points event near them, and the Talking Points team will be continuing to hold events this month.
Adults in East Renfrewshire can receive help and advice from professionals and volunteers the bench.
“It looks fantastic,” she added. “We are very proud of veterans Sam and Jason who designed it.
“The talent we have here at the centre is now on display for all to see.
“Thanks to SGN for the bench and for all their support helping us out with different projects while they were working close to our centre.”
SGN has been working to replace two high-pressure pipes suspended within the deck structure of the Erskine Bridge with one 1.9km pipeline under the River Clyde. The engineering project has included horizontal directional
about their health and wellbeing, including information about local groups and activities in their area. The Talking Points team will offer a warm welcome and encourage residents to come along to find out how they can help, bosses say.
East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Community and Voluntary Organisations will be holding events in the following venues.
Wednesday, September 4, 10am to 1pm, The Bank, 84 Main Street, Neilston; Thursday, drilling under the River Clyde and a micro-tunnelling operation to cross under Kilpatrick Railway Station.
The centre and the veterans are truly inspiring. It was fantastic to meet everyone
David Rae
September 5, 1pm to 4pm, The Market Place, 56 Kelburn Street, Barrhead; Tuesday, September 17, 11am to 3pm, Auchenback Resource Centre, 64 Aurs Drive, Barrhead; Tuesday, September 24: 10am to 1pm, Barrhead Health and Social Care Centre, 213 Main Street, Barrhead; and Thursday, September 26, 11am to 2pm, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Corsebar Road, Paisley.
If you would like more information on Talking Points, call 0141 800 7850 or email talkingpoints@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk