A BARRHEAD church is looking forward to welcoming back some familiar faces and new friends as it reopens its community cafe.

Founded in 1844, the United Reformed Church (URC) has played an important role in the local community over the past 175 years and is known for having one of the town’s most innovative congregations.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the URC’s weekly cafe, held at their site in Arthurlie Street, had to shut its doors but is set to reopen next week.

Liz Stansfield, of URC, told the Barrhead News: “Our community cafe is reopening from September 1 and 2 and, thereafter, taking place every Wednesday and Thursday.

“It is mostly old buddies who pop in to have their lunch, which saves them cooking at home, but we would love to see new friends come along.

“We also have care workers that come in on their lunch break. We have been using Zoom and staying in contact with others through Facebook but it’s not the same as being able to meet in person.”

“We are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and new friends.”

The community cafe will be open from 10am until 1pm and everyone who goes along will be made welcome.