Seniors enjoy first happy bus trip in 18 months

The fun-loving members of South Kintyre Seniors Forum enjoyed their first happy bus day-trip in 18 months when they had lunch at Glenbarr Café last Thursday.

 

This was a big step for several of the members who have spent much of the last year and a half isolating due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

'It's just nice to get back to doing something,' said forum treasurer Lesley Mitchell.

 

'Even now, many of our members find it stressful to leave their homes, but we hope trips like last Thursday's will encourage more to join us.'

 

Ian McVicar, who drove the bus, was delighted to see people back out enjoying themselves and perhaps even more delighted that Elfie, the 'happiness hound', behaved herself.

 

'It's good to see people smile and laugh with one another,' said Ian, who works for The Community Bureau charity that runs the Community Shop in Campbeltown. 'It's Elfie's first happy bus trip but it won't be her last!'

 

"attachment_561380" "aligncenter" "225"] Elfie, the 'happiness hound', enjoyed her first – but not last! – trip on the happy bus.

 

Ian and Elfie plan to take forum members on many more trips, with the next outing being to Tyndrum to ride the train through to Mallaig.

 

'It's just something thought up during lockdown,' said Lesley. 'We phoned each other and realised so many of us wanted to do it, so we will!'

 

Aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness in people aged 65 and over, South Kintyre Seniors Forum typically has regular meetings and sometimes hosts guest speakers as well as organising trips and events throughout the year.

 

The group, which is facilitated by Argyll Third Sector Interface and 1,000 Voices, is a wonderful way for senior citizens to get out and about and meet new people.

 

People can find out more about the forum, including how to join the group, by popping into the Community Shop at 21 Longrow South.