Misery for charity as hall forced to lie empty
Charity bosses are making a heartfelt plea for donations after having to scrap their 35th annual fete because of the coronavirus crisis.
Renfrew Enable, formerly known as the Scottish Society for the Mentally Handicapped, was forced into postponing Saturday’s event - despite fine sunshine brightening the early May morning.
Organiser Charlie Newlands revealed missing out on the annual gathering has been a painful loss for the group as well as thousands of people who have flocked to the Sandy Road hall over the years.
He said many couples have chosen to wed at the venue, given its iconic status with townsfolk who have grown to love both the charity and Charlie’s fete day.
He said: “The first Saturday of May has been dry for 35 years and we have provided a fete that the people of Renfrew look forward to each year.
“Thousands of families have supported us over the last 35 years and everyone knows the first Saturday in May is the Enable fete.
“The rumour over the years was if your son or daughter is getting married do it on Charlie’s fete day because the weather is always dry.”
He says Renfrew Enable has always prided itself on being self-supporting as the group has never asked for grants or funding for its branch, instead depending on it committee, volunteers and friends to support its fundraising.
Charlie added: “We took a picture of the hall with no one in the car park and no one in the field and it looks so bare.
“There is no bunting, no music, no stalls and no amusements for the children. It was indeed a sad day.
“Several people have been in touch saying they will miss the fete and always come to support us. They have asked if they can give a donation.”
Charlie is appealing for kindhearted donors and supporters of Renfrew Enable to visit a webpage set up in aid of the organisation.
For more information go to https:// www. crowdfunder. co.uk/renfrew-enable-club