The club is a voluntary group formed in 1944 and has been active ever since. It was originally a ‘welcome home’ social group for men returning from military war service to the rural village of Barrmill and has successfully met ever since.

The club now hold many events over the year for the older generation who benefit from the social aspect of the club. It holds several open nights with speakers; a St Andrews Dinner; Burns Supper; Ladies Night; bus trips as well as getting members involved with Burns verse-speaking competitions at Beith and Gateside Primary schools all dependent on the finances available.

The funding provided by Cunninghame Housing Association is assisting with the financial costs of running this year’s much needed annual trip given that they have been unable to do this for the past two years due to Covid. The trip will benefit all 57 members who may not otherwise get the opportunity given mobility issues or being on their own.

Councillor Donald L Reid, older people’s champion for North Ayrshire Council, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from Cunninghame Housing Association which will help with our annual trip and also go in part towards our Christmas Panto Trip to Ayr Gaiety in December which our members just love. We can’t thank CHA enough for their kindness which makes a real difference to many groups in North Ayrshire.”

John Kelly added: “We are thrilled to be able to provide financial assistance to this voluntary group who have been running for so long to support so many individuals who are very grateful for the opportunities they may not otherwise get.”

The funding for Barrmill Jolly Beggars Burns Club came from the Associations “Making Our Communities a Better Place Fund” which operates throughout the year (1st April to 31st March) until the allocated funding is exhausted.

Local groups or individuals interested in finding out more about the fund can do so here.