A local organisation has coined in thousands of pounds for a good cause by holding a “hatwalk".

East Renfrewshire u3a raised “an astounding” £4,547.48 for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice through the event on Valentine’s Day.

The idea was conceived last year by member Sylvia Levitus, a talented milliner who is part of the u3a’s fashion through the ages group.

The format of a hat fashion show and an afternoon tea was decided upon with students from Glasgow Clyde College’s millinery course modelling the hats that they had created as they walked among the tables.

Barrhead News:

Marbe McNeill, chair of the organisation, told the Barrhead News: “Many of our groups got involved to make the event a success.

“Our sewing group worked on the tablecloths and our ukulele group provided the entertainment before the main event.

“Members volunteered to make sandwiches, scones and cakes and to set up and serve the tea and coffee.”

Tickets were sold at £20 each and for an additional £50 some members sponsored a table in memory of a loved one.

Many members joined in the occasion by donning their favourite hat.

When the show was over, Jill Busby, an award-winning milliner, gave a fascinating talk on hats through the ages.

The raffle was then drawn and prizes donated by local businesses were distributed to the lucky winners.

“The event was attended by some 175 members and friends including representatives from our neighbouring u3as - Glasgow Southside, Glasgow Westend and Paisley - all of whom took a table to support us,” added Marbe.

“Heather Lister, a fundraiser from the hospice gave a short talk on the vision of the hospice in its new location in Bellahouston Park, thanking all involved for the money raised.

“It was a huge amount of work, but it all came together on the day and was greatly enjoyed by everyone who attended.”

The u3a, which was founded in Barrhead in 2008, is particularly keen to attract more members from the town.

Monthly meetings are held alternately in Broom Parish Church, Newton Mearns and St. Andrew's Church in Barrhead, with the latter offering an excellent venue with a large screen for presentations.

The next Barrhead meeting will be on April 17 when David McDonald will give a talk on Scotland’s sweet spot.

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