A DISABLED group has celebrated what might be its last Christmas in style.

Dedicated volunteers at the Barrhead and Neilston Disabled Forum (Band F) threw a big party for all of its members.

Members enjoyed a Christmas themed supper and shared presents to the sound of a gramophone, and Santa was guest of honour.

But there was a bittersweet atmosphere, as the group’s organisers revealed it may be their last Christmas party.

Margaret Reilly, 68, group chairwoman, said: “The members have had a fantastic day and they have thoroughly enjoyed the visit from Santa.

“The Christmas party is a big occasion for us, and we had a fantastic turnout with a packed hall.

“We would like to thank all those people who have kept Band F going for more than 20 years, three days a week, year round.

“It has not been easy to try and deal with losing the funding, some members have been very upset about, there’s been a few tears.” The group was facing disbandment after ERC withdrew the group’s funding as part of a budget which requires the authority to find savings of more than £17 million.

Band F held what members thought was its last ever Christmas party in January of this year, and due to funding being withdrawn it reduced its operating days from three to just one a week.

Their funding was thought to be worth something in the region of £30,000 a year to pay for halls, carers and bus transport.

Chairwoman Margaret Reilly told The News how for some members, Band F has been a lifeline.

“For some, the Band F club is all they have, some members look forward to it because for them it’s the only time they get out the house to socialise.

“We will run for as long as we can for them,” said Margaret.

The club was the last of its kind in East Renfrewshire to open three days a week, offering activities, care and opportunities to socialise to more than 30 elderly and disabled residents.

The group regularly hold days out to the seaside for members, as well as hold bingo afternoons and even get chiropodists and other specialists in to provide services that the elderly members would otherwise find it difficult to get a hold of.

Members are picked up by bus and are recommended to the club by other services before an application is made.

The club has been hit as the local authority attempts to plug a £20 million funding gap that was identified two years ago.

In its February budget, East Renfrewshire Council announced that it would be looking to save £17.3 million over the following three years.

Part of the savings package included the ending of funding streams to community groups such as Band F.

Critics say that the elderly and disabled will suffer as a result.

Band F meets every Tuesday in the Dunterlie Resource Centre, Barrhead.

It is expected that the club will run into the new year.