Kicking off the celebrations with local radio station Pulse FM and music provided by the excellent duo The Moonlighters, local residents were entertained with 80s theme music and activities all afternoon. All staff were dressed up for the day in 80s costumes.

The free afternoon provided local people with a range of activities including slides, bouncy castle, beat the goalie, sumo wrestlers, face-painting and a caricaturist. Those feeling fit could watch a short film by peddling two bicycles, as well as join in with the rubix cube competition. 30 hidden golden tickets were found by local schoolchildren with each winner receiving a 80s themed jar of sweets.

Children were able to handle owls and small birds and the Glasgow based Storytelling Village Company provided children with some entertaining and interactive funny stories.

Sponsorship for the day was provided by the Association’s contractors including Cameron Cleaning, Woodstock, Totalis, Gassure, Wilson decorators and auditors Chiene + Tait.

Working with Barrhead Housing Association, many of the events and preparations were also delivered by creative Glasgow based organisation, Impact Arts. Local young people training on the Creative Pathway employability project and also the Craft Café at the sheltered housing complex both helped out on the day.

Prizes were awarded to two local schools which entered the Association’s competition to design a 30th birthday badge. Three winners came from P4 pupils of St John’s primary school and three winners from S1 students from St Luke’s secondary school. Both schools also received a donation from the Association as a thank you for getting involved.

Staff organised a swap shop with books, toys, DVDs, and clothes were offered out – local people gave a donation for each item and the Association raised nearly £50 for the local St Vincent hospice charity.