Johnstone Castle Learning Centre has thanked the community after its Gala Day raised £3,420 for the centre and youth club.
The event took place on Saturday 20th June 2026 and brought families together for an afternoon of activities, entertainment and fundraising.
Visitors enjoyed a range of attractions including Beat the Goalie, Hook a Duck, face painting, a bouncy castle, raffles, tombolas and games. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire engine also attended, giving children the chance to climb aboard, sit in the cab and try on a firefighter’s helmet. There was also a competition to guess how many sweets were in a jar, a tuck shop, refreshments and a “Splash the Youth Worker” challenge.
Entertainment throughout the afternoon included music from DJ Kevin McLaughlin and a performance from local bagpiper Callum.
Money raised will go directly back into supporting the work of Johnstone Castle Learning Centre and Youth Club, which provide services and activities for local children, young people and families.
Jean Gallagher, of Johnstone Castle Learning Centre, said: “The Gala Day was all about bringing the community together, and it was fantastic to see so many people come along and support the event.
“It was brilliant to see so many people enjoying the day and helping make it such a success. As a community organisation, securing funding is an ongoing challenge, so we were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone who attended.
“We were amazed by the fantastic amount raised and would like to thank all our volunteers, supporters, local businesses and families who helped make the day such a success.”
The event was supported by staff, volunteers, young people, local businesses and local community organisations. The centre thanked photographer Joe Callery for capturing the day, DJ Kevin McLaughlin for providing music, Callum for playing the bagpipes, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service personnel, Thorn Athletic, Manorview and MH Balloons, as well as the many volunteers and young people who helped throughout the event.
The centre also thanked those who supported the Gala Day through donations and prizes.
Cash donors included: Legacy Comps, Armstrong Welding, Unite, Hartfield Kennels, Kevin Wallace and youth member Kaiden.
Raffle and tombola prize donors included: Hazel Arms, Elderslie Inn, Elderslie Butchers, Kinnaird Butchers, Elderslie Coffee Shop, Elderslie Steak & Grill, Trattoria Roma, Marshalls Butcher, Dream Clean, Elderslie Dog Walker, Golden Star Chinese, Johnstone Castle Mothers & Toddlers, Morrisons Johnstone, Tesco Linwood, Manorview, Johnstone Burgh, Thorn Athletic, St Mirren, Rangers, Celtic, OB Gym, Specsavers, First Sight and others who donated bottles, gifts and prizes.
Jean added: “A special thank you goes to Joe Callery for his fantastic photos, capturing so many great moments from the day. We really appreciate his time and talent.
“We would also like to thank Armstrong Welding, Hartfield Kennels, Kevin Wallace and one of our youth members, Kaiden, for their generous support.
“We are also extremely grateful to Legacy Comps and Unite for their generous £500 donations. Support like this helps us continue the work of Johnstone Castle Learning Centre and Youth Club and is greatly appreciated.”
“We truly appreciate the generosity shown by everyone who supported the Gala Day.”
Every penny raised will go back into supporting the work of Johnstone Castle Learning Centre and Youth Club, which provide services and activities for local children, young people and families.
Photo: Families took part in a range of fundraising games and activities throughout the afternoon
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: DJ Kevin McLaughlin kept the music playing during the day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Visitors browse one of the craft and gift stalls during the Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Young visitors enjoyed face painting during the Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Handmade wooden crafts were among the items on sale at Johnstone Castle Learning Centre’s Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Children enjoy the bouncy castle
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Visitors browse one of the stalls during Johnstone Castle Learning Centre’s Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photos: Jed from Legacy Comps present a £500 donation to Johnstone Castle Learning Centre during the Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Young visitors had the chance to meet a pony during Johnstone Castle Learning Centre’s Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Families had the chance to explore a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire engine
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: A young boy had the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire engine
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Face-painted youngsters enjoy a visit aboard the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire engine
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: A young visitor gets a helping hand while climbing aboard the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire engine
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Young visitors had the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service fire engine
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: A young visitor tries on a firefighter’s helmet with help from a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighter
Photo Credit: Joe Callery
Photo: Local bagpiper Callum entertained visitors during Johnstone Castle Learning Centre’s Gala Day
Photo Credit: Joe Callery