Appeal to turn community facility into a festive wonderland

Members of the Branchton Community Centre's over-55s club have launched a festive appeal to raise cash to spruce up the hub and make it more attractive for this special time of year.

The centre has rooted out all of its tired tinsel and broken baubles and is looking for a festive makeover as we enter the season of goodwill.

Members have started a crowdfunding appeal to raise £200 to buy new decorations - and say the new look would make all the difference to the area.

Celia McGrath, 78, said: "The centre needs more decorations for the weans.

"Christmas is all about children."

Betty Gatens, 86, and Joanne Derrick, 67, agreed, saying that the centre is at the heart of the community.

Betty said: "I've been coming here for 30 years, as have many people. It is the focal point of Branchton and means a lot to so many people."

Carol McEwan, senior project worker, said: "A lot of people who live on their own in the neighbourhood don't bother putting up a tree, but they like coming in here to see all the decorations. It helps them feel festive.

"A small donation will help us make the centre look really nice for everyone who comes in to visit us."

The centre has a busy time ahead over the next few weeks and want to have the makeover complete in time for their calendar of events.

They are holding a pensioners' Christmas meal while there will also be a carol concert and trips to the pantomime for youth club members.

Centre staff will also host a breakfast with Santa and there are discussions ongoing about staging a community-wide meal this month.

Manager Willie Wilson said: "It's not the most important thing we have asked the community for, but we are asking everyone to come together and do a little bit to help us spread some festive cheer.

"Any decorations left over will be distributed to people who need them in the area."

Anyone who would like to donate to the appeal can visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/branchtondecorations?