Andy Richie Sell Out Night with Gerry McDade Scored a Goal at The HUB!!

Our one of a kind evening with Morton legend Andy Ritchie, hosted by Gerry McDade was an absolute success!! Thanks to everyone involved for making the evening a night to remember. Keep an eye out for our future events. 

“Just to say thanks for an absolutely top night last night with the legend and gentleman, Andy Ritchie. Andy was funny, entertaining, informative, humble and well just so amazing with everyone. He made us laugh and pretty much cry at times too! His time at the top was too short but boy did he shine brightly!

Inverkip Hub , what a beautiful place!
Everything was spot on - Gerry McDade orchestrated the evening brilliantly, the format, venue , bar and half time pie and all the volunteers and old friends. Massive well done and look forward to the next one!”

— Duncan MacGillivray (Facebook)

Christmas Light Switch On at The HUB Friday 8th December 2017

Walking Football Commentary by Ex Celtic Skipper Andy Lynch

We managed to catch our very own "Kipper", former Celtic Skipper Andy Lynch off side for a few words about the game that is scoring a goal at The Hub, Walking Football. Andy won three league titles and two Scottish Cups during a seven year spell with Celtic, scoring the winning goal against Rangers in one final. Captain under Jock Stein and Billy McNeill, the winger made 185 appearances before moving to America in 1980 to represent Philadelphia Fury and Montreal Manic. The former Hearts player also went on to manage Manic and Australian side Sunshine Coast. Andy regularly plays Walking Football every Friday and here's what he had to say on the beautiful game......

““For several months my good friend Gary Gallagher had been telling me about walking football played at the Inverkip Hub.

I have to admit that I was very cynical about walking football. I asked Gary what the rules were. Was it similar to the traditional five a sides? Can you tackle? Can you even get a sweat up? That was important to me. I didn’t just want to stand about.

Well, after several weeks playing I am thoroughly enjoying it. And yes I am getting a great work out as well!

Walking football is the natural way to go for the older guys who still love to get out and get a wee kick of the ball. Its a perfect scenario to work out at your own pace.

I recently published my own book “Hoops, Stars and Stripes”. In it is a story relating to the time when I was Coaching in Montreal during the North American Soccer League. I had a few neighbouring football friends who invited me to join their 5-a sides on a Tuesday night. Picture a huge indoor football pitch. As the game started with just a few guys in each side the numbers soon escalated as more and more guys were arriving after their work. There were 65 year old business executives, 19 year old plumbers etc. they would just grab a bib and join in. I didn’t think the youth and the seniors would work out, but I was wrong. Everyone finds their level, just like the walking football at Inverkip!” ”

— Andy Lynch Ex Celtic FC

You can purchase  “Hoops , Stars and Stripes” at Amazon and if you buy it through Give as You Live, you also raise money for The Hub.  

Walking football at The Hub is in partnership with Morton Community Trust and is on every Friday between 1pm and 2.30pm. We are encouraging all men and women aged 50+ of all abilities to take part — and enjoy the benefits of getting active in later life.

There is no fee, but participants contribute about £2 a week to go towards after-match refreshments.

More information is available by calling Kevin at the Hub on 520740 or Brian McLaughlin of GMCT on 731949

We would like to thank Andy for contributing to our blog and also for use of the pictures. And a BIG THANK you to Sports Journalist Peter McVitie for his help in producing this blog with his footballing knowledge. You can follow Peter here. 

Book Week Scotland - Glasgow Author Visits Inverkip Library

This week marks Book Week Scotland. We love books here at Inverkip Hub and recently had a visit from Glaswegian Author, Alex Meikle.  Alex, a former CEO of two community based third Sector Social Care Organisations in Glasgow and also Partnership Manager here in Inverclyde, has wrote several non-fiction pieces published in newspapers and journals but his main interest has always been writing Novels. Deception Road, a political thriller set in Glasgow was published in 2016 and the prequel, Caledonian Smack, will be published early next year. He also publishes a weekly blog on his website covering current topical issues.

““Top MI5 agent Eddie Macintyre and his team are tailing a terrorist cell in Glasgow when a van carrying al-Qaeda activists on a dummy-run explodes in the city-centre, causing mass casualties.
Hours earlier Eddie’s team had confirmed the van as being explosives free. Now he faces the terrifying possibility that his team’s surveillance operation has been sabotaged via an al-Qaeda infiltrated mole.
But suspicion quickly fastens onto Eddie and he is catapulted down a nightmare road of treachery and deception, and Eddie must use all his experience and resources to survive.””

— Book Excerpt

Alex kindly donated a book to The Hub so get yourself down to the library to borrow it. If it is already out on loan then you can purchase it over on amazon . It would make a great Christmas gift. And remember, if you are buying gifts for Christmas then if you purchase it through Gift As You Live then you raise funds for our charity. 

Find out more about Alex on his Website or Facebook Page. 

Inverkip Planters Made By Belville Community Garden Trust

Have you seen our beautiful planters at the front of The Hub? These were made by the local charity Belville Community Garden Trust whom delivery a range of activity's at their garden in Belville Street Greenock. 

The Community Garden is on the site of the 1960’s high rise flats which were demolished  in 2014.  ‘Our Place’ Big Lottery Fund made investment and built a garden to bring community groups and individuals together in the east end of Greenock. The main activities of the organisation involve building a safer, stronger community around improving lifestyles, and health primarily through gardening, horticulture and healthy eating. They aim to break down social barriers for young and old alike and offer the chance of new learning experiences, improved community relationships, a sense of pride in the environment and improved mental and physical wellbeing.

Currently the activities offered at the garden are......

* Gardening Club 

* Basic Vegetarian Cookery Classes

* Master Class Cookery Lessons 

* Construction Skills/Planter Building

Garden planters are also on sale at the garden and proceeds go back into the charity. 

If you would like to volunteer at the garden, or buy one of there lovely planters then contact them on any of the links below.  

email info@belvillecommunitygarden.org.uk

Website

 Facebook Page. 

If that's too far away for you and you are looking to volunteer closer to home, Inverkip community council are starting a gardening group here in Inverkip to make our village blooming beautiful......🌸🌸🌻🌼🌷🌹
The first meeting is here at The Hub on Wednesday 15th November @ 7pm in cafe area. All are welcome so please come along. For more info you can message Jackie or Jean on the Community Council Facebook Page.

Parent and Toddlers Halloween Party

Today we had our Halloween Party for our Parent and Toddler group that meet at The Hub every Wednesday 12pm - 1.30pm. Great fun was had by all and lots of Halloween cupcakes were ate. A huge thanks to our amazing Volunteers Shelagh and Rhonda who run the group and organised the party.  The sessions ask for a donation of £1 an adult and 50p a child. 

Spotlight on LJ Dance Troupe........

Saturday nights might be for Strictly on the tele but Fridays are Boogie nights here at The Hub. LJ Dance Troupe hold their classes every Friday from 6pm – 9pm and are having there annual Halloween dance class tonight.

We were lucky enough to have the girls perform at our Open Day and we are looking forward to seeing them dance at the Chrstmas Lights turn on at The HUB. 

The Dance School offer classes to kids nursery age right up until high school. The classes are taught by locals Teachers Lynn, Sophie and Jean who provide fun, friendly, energetic disco dancing focusing on routines to current pop tunes and also children's music.

““We want to encourage people to love to dance and have fun with their friends, whilst learning technique and developing an understanding of rhythm, musicality and performance. We make everyone feel welcomed and at ease.””

— Lynn Anderson

Class times are......

• 6pm -6.4pm   Nursery to P2
• 6.45-7.45        P3-P5
• 7.45-8.45        P6 and over

Classes are £3 a class

The dance group perform their annual show in Inverclyde Academy in June and perform at different local community events such as Christmas light switch on, school fete and gala day.

The group are community conscious and recently raised £725 for Dreams Come True Inverclyde to help more local dreams come true. 

““Each year we pick a charity that helps children who are not as fortunate as our own children and this year we picked Dreams Come True Inverclyde and are delighted to have raised the sum of £725. The funds are raised with the help of our parents and a raffle and we are very grateful to local Inverkip, Gourock and Greenock businesses which have helped by way of providing raffle prizes.””

— Lynn Anderson

You can get in touch with girls through their Facebook page. 

Thanks to Lynn Anderson and also George Munro (Greenock Telegraph) for letting us use their photographs.

1 Year Anniversary Celebrations!!!

October marks the 1 year anniversary of our Manager Kevin being in post here at The Hub. The board wanted to thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the last year so surprised him with a cake to celebrate.  Kevin is well known and has had a long career in the community, managing Branchton for 13 years and then going on to work at the iZone with CLD (Community Learning & Development). We are lucky to have him managing The Hub and bringing all of his knowledge and expertise with him. It has been a great year so far and we thank him for all the support he has given the board and the energy and enthusiasm he has had for making The Hub, the welcoming and community friendly space that it is. His contribution is invaluable and makes our jobs as Trustees all the easier. So thank you Kevin for doing an amazing job!!!

The Centre will be open 1 year in January and we will be looking to have a community celebration to mark the occasion. If you have any ideas or willing to help out in the planning then please do get in touch 😊 

What's on at the Hub for Pre-School Children...

PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

We have groups to entertain children from baby up to pre-school. The activities are organised by a leader and varied according to the ages of the children present. Fun free play is a vital element along with singing (with all the actions), story telling, toy cars and making things, all in a very safe and secure environment. A warm welcome awaits the children accompanied by mum, dad and grandparents. There is also a chance for Mums (Dads and Grandmas) to meet and chat while engaging with the children.

CURRENT GROUPS

* Book Bug - run by Inverclyde Libraries in the Main Hall Tuesday 1pm - 2pm 

* Parents and Toddlers - Wednesdays in the Main Hall 12pm - 1.30pm (Run by our volunteers, Shelagh and Rhonda. Donations welcome) 

We review what we have on at The HUB on a regular basis and are always looking for new ideas and volunteers to run projects. If you have an idea or are willing to give your time then please pop into The HUB or fill out our feedback form. 

Inverkip War Memorial Exhibition

We are delighted that the Inverkip War Memorial Project will be holding their Exhibition at the Library in the Hub this November 4th to the 25th. The Exhibition is on the research of the falling soldiers named on the Stone of Remembrance in the Village. The obelisk freestanding memorial, names 29 local men whom served and gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars. The project was set up to bring the memorial to life and tell the stories behind the names and ensure we never forget them.

Here is a one of the story's that you can find at the Exhibition........

In memory of Private Alfred Price, remembered on the war memorial.

Alfred was born in 1877 at 53 Kelly Street, Greenock. His mother was Agnes Price m/s Carruthers, a laundry maid and widow of Joseph Price of Inverkip. Alfred is listed as illegitimate on his birth certificate.

Joseph and Agnes were married by Rev Peter Douglas of the United Free Church, Inverkip in 1860. It appears shortly after this, they moved to Abernethy, Perthshire. They had a daughter, Flora, born in Abernethy in 1861 but she died aged 6 weeks. Three other children were born, all in Abernethy in 1865-1867. A son, Matthew was born in 1869 but he died of bronchitis in 1870, not reaching his first birthday, in Inverkip. Tragically, Joseph died in 1869 in Abernethy and it appears Agnes and the children moved back to Inverkip shortly afterwards.

More tragedy struck when another child, Joseph, was born in 1880 in Inverkip and died shortly afterwards. In 1881, the family were living at Main Street, Inverkip, with one of the daughters, aged 13, already out working as a servant to a family in the village.

In 1884, Agnes died in Inverkip, leaving Alfred, aged 7, and the other siblings with no parents.

On the 1891 and 1901 census Alfred was living with his Aunt, Janet Paul at Campbell Place, Inverkip. On the 1911 census, he had moved to Wemyss Bay and was working as a farm labourer for Andrew and Mary Thomson.

Alfred served with the 1st/6th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed on 15th October 1918, although is listed on the war memorial as 21st October. He is also remembered at the Avesnes-le-Sec Communal Cemetery Extension.

““His family story is one of the saddest I uncovered doing the research. His name liveth for evermore.””

— Hilary Cameron - Project Development Worker

Hilary Cameron, the projects driving force will also be holding a 2 minute silence on Saturday the 11th of November at 11am to remember the falling. All are welcome. 

You can follow the project on their Facebook page. 

Thank you to Hilary for letting us use her material and photographs for our blog post and we look forward to seeing the Exhibition soon. 

Explorer Scouts Raising Awareness At The HUB

Brave Explorer Scouts camped outside The HUB last night to raise awareness of Homelessness. Using black bin bags and boxes they faced the elements and had a glimpse of what it feels like to be homeless in Scotland. There are approximately over 32,000 people in Scotland homeless according to Scottish Government statistics, with the majority of those being single males. Although this number has improved drastically over the years, we still have some way to go. We are proud that our community, especially our young people, are involved in raising awareness of not only a local issue, but a global one too.  Well done to all involved!!! 

A big thank you to Inverkip Hotel for providing a hot breakfast all involved. 

Statistics and information can be found on Shelter Scotland. 

Local Celebrity Visits The Hub....

We had a lovely surprise when a local well known actor popped into The HUB. Derek Lord dropped in one night to visit us much to the delight of our Development Worker Martin. Derek who is probably best known for his role as Davie Sneddon in the hit Scottish soap opera Take the High Road was also recently in the HBO Emmy Award winning Game of Thrones series. Martin had personal memories of the actor and we thought it was a lovely story and should be shared........

““About 25/30 years ago Derek Lord was having a drink in the Heywood Hotel in Skelmorlie. My wife’s Best friend was getting married that day (pictured with her Dad) Derek Lord was one of her favourite actors and she loved Take the high road.

So, her just married husband asked Derek Lord if he would dance with his bride. He agreed and went up and tapped Sheila’s Dad on the shoulder (after his wedding dance with his daughter). Her father agreed and it was a magic moment in the brides memory as she danced with her favourite actor......All of the Family met him and he stayed for some drinks and spent time at the wedding with the family.
When I met him that night in The HUB, I told him the story of the Wedding Dance and he could not believe I mentioned it. He had just been telling his wife that day the story and it brought back so many memories for him and he even remembered the brides name “Sheila”..
I contacted my wife right there and then and she contacted Sheila and she sent me her wedding picture with her Dad to let Derek Lord see it. Sheila’s Dad is now dead and I told him this. Derek Lord got got quite emotional and wanted to know if Sheila would let him have the picture as it was such a cherished memory for her, her Dad and family and also for him.....Sheila agreed and this is me thanking Derek Lord for making Sheila’s night..............Yet again. 🎩 👰 ❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏””

— Martin Mulholland

Martin all chuffed with Derek Lord. 

Beautiful Sheila and her Dad on her Wedding Day. 

We want to say a BIG HUB THANK YOU to Derek for popping in and making our Martins night, but also for making Sheila's night too. Please don't be a stranger and come in anytime. You are always welcome!! 

Walking Football is Scoring a Goal at The Hub

Walking football is scoring a goal in the community at The Hubs AstroTurf park.

Increasing numbers are turning up every Friday afternoon to enjoy the free sessions,  being run in partnership with ourselves and  Greenock Morton Community Trust, who provide coaching on the rules.

Game Rules

·        Players have to keep one foot on the ground at all times.

·        No running or jogging allowed - Anyone who breaks into a jog usually receives two warnings before a two-minute penalty in the sin bin.

·        There are kick-ins instead of throw-ins

·        There is no offside rule

·        Have lots of fun!!

We are encouraging all men and women aged 50+ of all abilities to take part — and enjoy the benefits of getting active in later life.

Sessions are on every Friday between 1pm and 2.30pm.

There is no fee, but participants contribute about £2 a week to go towards after-match refreshments.

More information is available by calling Kevin at the Hub on 520740 or Brian McLaughlin of GMCT on 731949.

Photographs courtesy of George Munro at the Greenock Telegraph and GMCT.

“ “We have table tennis as an alternative if there is torrential rain, but usually the walking football will go ahead outdoors.”

“We hope to link it in with other healthy activities at the hub, and it’s also a social occasion for people to get together, enjoy themselves and improve their fitness.”
”

— Kevin Rodgers - Centre Manager

Volunteer Gardeners Wanted!!

Inverkip and Weymms Bay Community Council are looking for villagers in Inverkip that would be interested in setting up a gardening club in the village . The Main Street in Inverkip is looking very tired 😟 so they are looking at projects to brighten up our village. Work is starting soon on restoring the bridge over the Daff Burn and getting work done in the small garden area behind the bus stop. This work has been funded and is being carried out by a contractor. They are looking for people who would be willing to tend areas , planters etc on an ongoing basis. 

If you are intested then you can leave your details at The Hub and we will pass them on or drop them a message on their Facebook page. 

The Hub receive's a visit from Your Voice Community Connectors.

We were delighted to have a visit from the Community Connector team last week who introduced Margaret to us. Margaret in new to the area and wanted to find out what was on locally. The Community Connector Project aims to engage with the community to assist people (over the age of 16)  to increase their social interaction or connect people to services and activities where formal services are not best placed to meet needs.

Poor health, changes in circumstances or bereavement can affect our self confidence and cause us to stop doing things we once enjoyed... sometimes all it takes is a conversation and a bit of encouragement to get back out there and take part in things.

If you, or anyone you know someone who would benefit from this service, Your Voice take referrals from Health and Social Care Professionals, Community Organisations, as well as Family, Friends and Neighbours.

If you would like to find out more then please contact them on the details below or pop over to their Website.  

Tel: 01475 728628 Email: enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk

The Community Connector Project is funded by Inverclyde HSCP (Health & Social Care Partnership) & is delivered by Your Voice.