More the merrier at West Linton Social Centre

For the past seven years the Royal Voluntary Service has operated the Thursday Social Centre in the village.

But recently numbers have slowly declined.

And over the past three or four months the get-togethers, which include breakfast and lunch, have only attracted four regulars.

This week staff and volunteers from the RVS held a Christmas coffee morning within the Graham Institute to showcase what's on offer each week.

Deputy Service Manager Alexia Haworth told us: "The West Linton Social Centre is a great way for people to socialise and meet others of a similar age.

"The people who do come along each week have an enjoyable time but we would like to see a few more.

"There will be retired people out there who would enjoy what we do each week.

"As well as providing a light breakfast and hot meal at lunchtime there are lots of activities, quizzes and games to enjoy."

West Linton's day service was one of the first the RVS adopted from Scottish Borders Council.

They now operate more a dozen social centres, including Peebles and Innerleithen, across the entire Borders.

And fundraising activities are ongoing at hospitals across the region.

As well as providing meals and social activities, the volunteers can also provide transport to and from the social centres.

This week's Christmas coffee morning in West Linton proved popular with locals.

And it is hoped the event has whetted the appetite of a few more Peeblesshire pensioners to return each Thursday.

Alexia added: "Anyone who comes along is guaranteed a friendly welcome.

"The coffee morning was our opportunity to tell people what we all do."

The West Linton Social Centre at the Graham Institute is open from 10am to 2.30pm every Thursday.

The service is open to anyone who lives in West Linton or the surrounding areas.

Further details of the services and transport options are available from the Royal Voluntary Service on 01896 754481.