A bumper turnout of residents turned Maryhill Housing Association’s Residents’ Conference into a sailaway success at the weekend.

For the first time ever the conference took to the water with the help of the Forth and Clyde Canal Society and its impressive canal boat the MV Voyager.

Sailing along the canal on Saturday, staff were able to chat to residents and learn what matters to them in the Maryhill and Ruchill communities.

The conference also took place in Ruchill Parish Church hall where a range of exhibitors gathered. They included RBS which offered free advice on basic bank accounts, Jobs and Business Glasgow with helpful careers advice and Citizens Advice.

There was also a firm emphasis on fun for children with a magician, clown and hugely popular “balloon modeller” who was much in demand. It is estimated over 100 people attended the canal cruise and the church hall.

Those taking to the canal gave the idea a massive thumbs up. Tenant Mary Howe (88) who donned a Captain’s hat in keeping with the nautical theme summed it up by saying: “It was a grand day out - even better than a trip to the seaside. I loved every minute.”

Meanwhile, two tenants were serenaded with an on board rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ from the passengers when it was discovered that both were celebrating their birthdays on Saturday. Nancy Connelly marked being 79 years young while Ash Kala was just 14.

Chief executive Lynn Wassell said: “It was a most enjoyable day out for all concerned. The novelty of a sail on a canal boat brought something different to this year’s conference. It was also the ideal opportunity for us to listen carefully to local people and find out more about what matters to them. We are very grateful to our residents for making the effort to come along in such large numbers.”

@MaryhillHousing

www.maryhill.org.uk