Gardeners and local history fans can learn how 55 acres of Paisley farmland became a public park.

Friends of Barshaw Park chair, Irene McDonald charts the park’s growth since it opened in 1912. She is Paisley & District u3a’s guest speaker on Thursday 7th March 2024.

As well as the history of the park, attendees will discover some future plans for this popular landmark. This meeting, which is also the u3a’s AGM, is in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street (PA1 1ND).

u3a chair, Kathy O’Donnell said: “Many of us visit Barshaw Park as children and then we take our own families there. Yet this park has its own interesting history, including the dedication of a Peace Garden in1986. We look forward to Irene’s talk at 2.30pm and the chance to enjoy a chat and some refreshments from 1.30pm -2pm prior to the AGM.”

Irene McDonald remarked: “I’m delighted to be talking to u3a about Friends of Barshaw Park. It was formed 10 years ago. I’ll share why it was set up, what we’ve achieved and the set-backs we’ve had. I’ll mainly focus on the Walled Garden and the Community Garden which are maintained by volunteers. We have worked with Renfrewshire Council and other organisations to bring about park improvements since 2014. I’ll also mention plans for ongoing development of the facilities and activities.”

Find u3a groups/activities and how to join at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome.


Photo: Irene McDonald from Friends of Barshaw Park is the latest speaker at Paisley & District u3a regular monthly meetings
(both) Photo Credit: Friends of Barshaw Park

By Ricky Kelly

Main writer for Renfrewshire News

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