A BARRHEAD club which supports older people in the early stages of memory loss has received a £1,200 donation from a jewellery store.

Ronnie Whitelaw, chair of Barrhead Memory Lane, picked up the cheque from Beaverbrooks staff at Silverburn Shopping Centre.

The funds were allocated from the company’s charitable trust and will be used for a variety of activities, including outings for those who attend the club.

Ronnie told the Barrhead News: "As part of Beaverbrooks’ outreach, they like to get some of their workers out into the community. There will opportunities for staff to come along to our group and help with setting up and maybe even participating during the course of the day, as well as coming along to a Christmas party or any trips we do.”

Barrhead Memory Lane caters for those suffering from dementia, along with their carers and family, through meetings in the new community hall at St Andrew’s Church.

These take place between 2pm and 4pm on the first and third Thursdays of each month and those who attend enjoy games such as jigsaws, as well as painting, dancing, singalongs and music.

“We have had some people along to entertain too,” added Ronnie. “We had a ukulele band and someone brought some film and pictures of the old Barrhead and it was amazing how that stimulated everyone.

“We try to make sure our programme is varied in the sense we are not doing the same thing all the time.

“The one thing that always resonates is music and singing. It’s amazing how someone who can’t remember what has happened a minute or two minutes ago can link straight into a song and know all the words as soon as you start singing.”

For more details, visit here or the group’s Facebook page.