On Friday 3rd October 100 Centre users and colleagues came to help us celebrate at our 2nd birthday. We were pleased to be joined by Councillor Stuart Clay, MSP Pauline McNeill and MP John Robertson. Teapots Cafe put on a great lunch and we reflected on our achievements since the doors opened in 2006. We’ve got over 40 groups offering activities here now, as well as our own learning programme which we run ourselves in response to requests and suggestions. According to one of the guests we have a ‘cradle to grave’ approach which I’m hoping is a compliment. We’ve come a long way since the roof of the old neighbourhood centre fell in anyway. Local people have been involved in all aspects of running the centre so the biggest debt of gratitude is to all the volunteers who have worked hard to bring Whiteinch Centre to fruition. Thanks to all those who’ve been involved.

Congratulations to the seven women who completed the Activate course with Glasgow University and received certificates at the party. Helen Martin praised everyone who completed the ten-week course in community work. All the participants have stepped up their voluntary work commitments at projects across the west area, so the local community is benefiting directly from their new skills.

If you’re not already involved in an activity then come down and talk to Anne about what’s on – if you can’t find what you want then suggest it. We’d also welcome anyone who would like to teach a class on an area of knowledge – we want to give local people the opportunity to share their skills on our new Slackademics* programme. Anything goes as long as it’s legal. So far we have boxing, arts and crafts, and storytelling. We’d like anything arty or activity-based. Or you could run a class about a book or film you’ve enjoyed lately. We will cover the cost of room hire and give you some help with structuring the session if you need it.

As for the year ahead, we’ve got a good feeling. We still have a lot of work to do – we’ve got plenty of ideas but we need longer-term sustainability with cash coming in the door. The main aim is to get funds in place for the next three years so that we can concentrate on what we really care about – being a vibrant place for the people of Whiteinch and the west to meet. Happy birthday to us.

Cheerio for now.

*The name Slackademics is used by permission from Toren Atkinson.