Community support hub praised in Parliament
A BARRHEAD community hub which supports people of all ages has been praised at the House of Commons.
East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald marked the 20th anniversary of the Auchenback Resource Centre (ARC) by submitting an Early Day Motion at Westminster.
The ARC, in Aurs Drive, had its grand opening in 2004 and, since then, has hosted a wide range of groups, activities and events.
A special celebration took place earlier this year to mark the 20th anniversary.
It coincided with the installation of two commemorative benches named after prominent community members Rita Connelly and Irene Simpson.
A founding member of Auchenback Active Limited, Rita served as director, fundraising co-ordinator and treasurer over the years.
Irene, meanwhile, performed various roles, including director, vice-treasurer and fundraising convener.
Oswald, a frequent visitor to the ARC, presented a copy of the Early Day Motion to members of the team during a recent visit.
She said: “Auchenback Resource Centre is a cherished community asset which offers so much to local residents and has played an important role in Barrhead for 20 years.
“At Westminster, I was glad to be able to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the centre with an Early Day Motion highlighting its importance to the community.
“As a regular visitor to the centre, I know from experience that the board go above and beyond in all that they do and this is appreciated greatly by the huge numbers of local people who use the facility.
“It is very fitting that the two commemorative benches were named after Rita Connelly and Irene Simpson, who gave so much to the local community and the centre, and I wanted to make sure their names were recorded in the Early Day Motion.
“I wish everyone at the ARC all the very best for the future.”