New Neilston Golden Girls group holds first meeting

The wellness group, which aims to offer a safe place for ladies to meet, enjoy lunch and make friendships, held its first meet up on Wednesday, February 14.

The Barrhead News headed along to this initial gathering which was abuzz with chatter and thoroughly enjoyed by all of the group’s new members, 20 of whom have signed up.

Those who came along also tucked into a delicious spread of sandwiches, cakes, pancakes and chocolates and had the opportunity to hear more about the group and its future plans from organiser Raymond Kerr.

Raymond, who also runs Neilston Men’s Group, told the Barrhead News: “The group is going to be great and there will be something on the go all the time.

“We have lots of exciting plans.

"This group would not be possible without teamwork and I thank Laura Wilson, her mum Sandra and Isabelle McDermott for making this all possible."

Raymond also thanked his wife Susan who ran a raffle which raised £295 for the group and Jim Miller of Miller Tree Surgery who donated £50, as well as all who donated raffle prizes.

He was also delighted to share that the club has received a £3,500 grant from Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire, which will go a long way towards their annual running costs.

Among the things the group hopes to offer in future are day trips to places such as Largs.

Some exciting plans have, however, already been lined up.

In March, entertainment will be provided at one of the weekly meet-ups by singer Simons Sims who recently appeared on ITV’s The Voice UK.

In April the group’s members will be treated to a performance by Neilston’s choir.

As a youngster Simon, who is originally from Kenya, was part of The Singing Children of Africa group and performed in Neilston – an occasion which residents still have fond memories of.

Golden Girls fills the void left by the ending of a similar concept, You, Me and a Cup of Tea last year.

The former group, which was run by Neilston Development Trust, was a highlight of the week for those who attended, so its disbandment came as a great disappointment to many. 

Among those who have joined Golden Girls are past members of the You, Me and a Cup of Tea group, including Isabelle McDermott who said it was “absolutely unbelievable” to see the new group up and running.

“I come alive when I come out to this," she said. "I think that Raymond is a star.

“It’s unbelievable to see all the people I have not seen for years.

"I just love it.”

Fellow member Sandra Wilson added: “I think it’s wonderful and something to look forward to.”