Fun Neilston Strings gig was music to the ears

The musicians were invited along to meet members of the Memory Lane group at St Andrew’s Church and entertained their audience with tunes by the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis and Cliff Richard.

The event was held at Memory Lane in Barrhead and saw over 20 residents attend.
Neilston Strings member Joe Daly, 64, was delighted at the turnout where everyone joined in with the music.

He said: “The gig was good fun. Everybody was up dancing and remembering their favourite songs. It was chock-a-block.

“We started six years ago and, since then, we’ve been playing in nursing homes around the area and entertaining people. It’s great for people with dementia, as we play old songs they’ll remember. They love it.”

The Neilston Strings meet twice a week to practice for shows across East Renfrewshire and beyond.

This time of year, as Christmas draws nearer, is a busy period for the band, which sometimes has up to four gigs in a week.

As many as 60 volunteers are signed up to Neilston Strings, each of them dedicated to entertaining the local community.

Memory Lane chairman Ronnie Whitelaw with Morag Inglis and Marion Stewart

Joe added: “We meet at the Voluntary Action base for practice and have everything from ukuleles to electric guitars. We all take part in the singing too.

“We do well through word of mouth. Lots of different groups hear about us and want us to come along to play for them. Church groups, women’s guilds and things like that enjoy having us play.

“Our members are a mixed bunch and we’re open to new ones joining too. We have people who are in their 30s and our oldest member is 86.”

Anyone who is interested in joining the Neilston Strings can call Joe on 0774 374 4638 or contact the group on Facebook @neilstonstrings