out and about

Every fortnight we organise minibus trips for senior citizens and others without transport . Shopping centres, places of interest, garden centres and the occasional mystery tour make it a highlight of the week for many. Contact Bill and Marion Boyd or the church office 01294 557849 for details of trips coming up soon.

In 2008, Cornerstone Church (now The Bridge Church) set up the “Out and About” group as a new initiative aimed for the elderly and those without transport. The initial idea was simply to offer minibus day trips as fun days out for the elderly (and those without transport) to build friendship and improve quality of life and social interaction.

Over the past 2 years, over 40 senior citizens (and a few young mums without transport) have attended the “Out and About” minibus trips from Kilwinning to shopping centres, garden centres, places of historic interest and scenic beauty spots across West and Central Scotland.

Volunteer minibus drivers and supervisors are required to complete disclosures via Disclosure Scotland.

“Out and About” is run entirely by volunteers and is run free of charge to the elderly. The Bridge Church allows the group free use of the church minibus and fundraising is carried out when necessary to cover the cost of fuel.

From April 2009, “Out and About” became part of the new registered charity “Bridge Church Community Action Project”. In 2009 a feasibility study was carried out to consider the best use of the Bridge Church hall facilities at Vaults Lane, Kilwinning and this combined with community consultation demonstrated that the hall would be ideally suited to become a venue for the elderly in Kilwinning and a new base for the “Out and About” group.

Work is currently underway to redecorate the hall, make the necessary alterations and purchase the necessary equipment. When this work is completed, the charity will start opening the hall for the elderly to meet here for tea and coffee mornings and soup and sandwich lunch clubs with games and activities. The minibus trips will continue to operate from here.