A NEW book will celebrate 40 years of Bourtreehill Age Concern - but the author needs help from Irvine residents.

Donald L Reid is asking anyone with memories of the renown support service to get in touch and help contribute towards the project.

The Age Concern group recently celebrated its 40th birthday and provides a caring and supportive service to older people in Broomlands and Bourtreehill.

An active group in the community, the Age Concern team host a number of clubs and groups with many older people seeing the service as a lifeline.

The Lower Vennel based group recently received a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to chart their 40 year history in a book.

They are currently gathering information and carrying out research led by Beith-based author Donald.

But fortunately, over the years the group have preserved many photographs and press cuttings which will form a key part of the book. 

Age Concern are also carrying out interviews of group members and residents.

They will be asked about their memories of coming to Bourtreehill from

places such as Glasgow and Lanarkshire and their experiences of life in Irvine.

And Donald is keen for anyone with fond memories of the group to come forward and help.

He said: “Compiling a book is a major and time-consuming exercise, but we have already made good progress, interviewing several members of the local Age Concern group in Bourtreehill. 

"Many of them came from Glasgow when Irvine Development Corporation was developing Bourtreehill and Broomlands. 

"I am keen to hear from anyone who would like to share their personal memories and reminiscences of coming to Bourtreehill and giving their views on how that communities has developed over the years."

Donald added: "We are also keen to record the memories and experiences of young folk to learn they views about growing up in the area.

"They will have different views and expectations from older folk, so we are keen to record an inter-generational picture of life in Bourtreehill.”

Anyone who might wish to be interviewed as part of this social history project should contact: Donald L Reid on 01505 503801 or email donaldleesreid@hotmail.com.

All the interviews will be conducted by appointment at Age Concern, 7 Lower Vennel, Bourtreehill, telephone 01294 212354.