The delights of Fernhill
Community centre hosts special event
Hard-working volunteers from around Fernhill came together last week with a message for other locals in the area – why not get involved too?
Fernhill Community Centre hosted the event, which saw several groups in attendance, from the soccer school that meets on Sunday nights to the community bingo.
May Caldwell, the secretary of Fernhill Seniors Monday Club, was behind the afternoon.
She said: “The thinking behind it was that maybe the community doesn’t realise how many hours people who volunteer put in.
“People sometimes say that there’s nothing for them in Fernhill, but you’d be surprised at what we have here.
“There’s still a great community spirit.”
As well as her work with the senior’s group, which has been running for 48 years now, May was also displaying the Fernhill memories project she is working on, which is looking for people to describe their experiences in the area over the years.
She added: “If we don’t get the stories from people then we’ll lose them.
“We’d like to try and do a booklet with memories of Fernhill and where we are now compared to back then.
“If somebody wanted to start something in Fernhill then we would support that – maybe have some new people coming in and getting involved.”
That was a regular theme from several people in attendance on the day.
Kevin Anderson coaches kids on Sunday’s as part of the soccer school at the community centre, and he was quick to stress that it doesn’t take as much time as people might think to chip in and help out.
“You see the quotes from the parents (displayed on their table) and there’s things on there about team-building, confidence and discipline.
“On Sunday’s we get the kids to bring the equipment down and help out. Things like that can give them wee skills.
“Some additional voluntary help would be great. People maybe don’t realise that even wee bits of getting involved can really help out.”
Councillor Margaret Cowie is involved with the bingo nights at the centre, which take place every Thursday and second Friday. She believes that groups and nights are what helps keep communities together, as it lets people catch up with friends, and chat about the area.
She said: “We get a crowd of 50 to 60 every week. In Fernhill there is a lot taking place, and something like the bingo is a great wee community night. They can catch up on the gossip and what’s been happening.”
Also on hand was Roisin DeVille, from Healthy n Happy, who are always on the hunt for new volunteers.
She added: “There are so many different ways that people can get involved with Healthy n Happy. Lots of our volunteers then get involved in different projects, and gets into contact with the wider community.”
●For further information on any of the groups pop into the community centre and ask for details.
There’s still a great community spirit