Music and laughter our special tea!

Saturday Get-Together is a hit for Buddies old and new

Dozens of people gathered for a song and a chat at a Saturday Get-Together in Paisley’s Methodist Central Hall.

The event attracts around 60 people of all ages, from seniors to children, and took place weekly from January until the end of March.

It’s run by 12 volunteers from the Methodist Church as part of Renfrewshire’s Winter Connections programme.

A group of musicians play at the event, entertaining people while they catch up and play games.

There’s also hot food, such as soup and filled rolls, drinks and snacks for the kids.

Margaret Jackson, who helps organise the event and is a member of the Methodist Church, told the Express: “This is a great opportunity to welcome people into our building which is here for the community.

“I love speaking to people and enjoy the singing, which can be anything from ‘Sweet Caroline’ to ‘Michael row the boat ashore’. The Saturday Get-Together brings so many people together and it’s been lovely to see people coming in who were with us last year.

“I think it’s really important to offer extra help in this time of economic crisis, and this is a way to offer that help in an enjoyable way.”

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chair of Renfrewshire Council’s Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, visited one of the sessions and said: “The activities put on by local groups and organisations across the area are so important to ensure local people can come together and keep connections going throughout the winter period.

“Community groups and organisations like the Methodist Church are such an important part of the community and the work they are doing here through the Winter Connections programme is giving people a sense of belonging.”

Two community groups also run from the Methodist Central Hall – an after-school Monday Youth Zone for children from primary seven to S3 with crafts and games and a Wednesday Men’s Zone for chat and games including dominoes, table tennis and snooker.

Winter Connections is a programme of events put on by Renfrewshire community groups and organisations for residents.

In its second year, the scheme is backed with an £85,000 fund from the council.