Celebrating the lasting legacy of Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern

The national charity for older is paying tribute to one of the longest standing older people’s groups in North Ayrshire, thanking them for over four decades of service to their local community.

Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern, founded and run by a team of dedicated volunteers led by Jean Reader and Betty Weir, provided support for thousands of older people in the area throughout their 46 years together.

The group began in 1975 as a lunch club in the local community centre, serving meals to older people living on their own. By 1995, they had firmly established themselves as a pillar of the local community and were able to open their own premises providing welfare information and advice, friendship, social activities and outings, as well as continuing the ever-popular lunch club which by then was serving up to 30 people Monday-Friday.

Due to pressures from the pandemic and for personal reasons, Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern took the difficult decision to close their doors for good in May 2020.

However, the group has left not only a wealth of fond memories behind, but also a lasting legacy which is still making a positive difference to older people in the area. Upon disbanding, they kindly donated £18,000 of their remaining funds to Age Scotland, which has gone towards the charity’s Community Grants Programme and is now supporting other older people’s groups in North Ayrshire.

Age Scotland’s Chief Executive, Brian Sloan, said:

“Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern has been a pillar of the local community ever since it was first formed by Betty and Jean in 1975, supporting countless older people with information and advice, lunches, friendship, social activities and outings.

“The group has devoted an incredible 46 years to the charity and helping older people in their community. It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to work with and learn from them.

“We are so grateful that their legacy now continues further still, in the kind donation they have made to Age Scotland from their remaining funds. This money is coming back into the local community and directly helping older people’s groups in North Ayrshire through our Community Grants Programme.

“From everyone at Age Scotland, I would like to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to Betty and Jean, all committee members past and present, and everyone who has been involved with the group over the years, for their invaluable service and contributions.

“While we know the group will be sorely missed, we hope that they can now enjoy a well-earned rest and look back fondly on the positive difference their tireless efforts have made – and continue to make - to so many older people in the area.”