Cash grant helps OAP club roar back to life

A much-loved club for older people has been saved thanks to a grant and the dedication of volunteers.

- EDEL KENEALY

The Ralston Roar Club is to close after its parent body Roar - Connections for Life said it would not be in a position to fund the weekly club past July 31.

The older people's charity said a reduction in its core grant from Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership meant it had been forced to make savings across the organisation.

As a result, there would no longer be funding for Ralston Roar Club and St Mary's exercise class in Paisley.

But volunteers who run the Ralston group have this week confirmed a grant from Renfrewshire Council and the support of St Mark's Parish Church has secured the formation of the new Ralston Seniors Club.

Having been held most recently in the church halls, the new club will now operate under the umbrella of the church with a member of the congregation also joining the club's organising committee.