Conon Bridge’s 30th annual OAP party highlighted ‘community spirit’
A Conon Bridge OAPs’ party highlighted the importance of “community spirit” in the Ross-shire village.
The Conon Bridge Senior Citizens Party first started 30 years ago, after Alister Matheson and Donnie Campbell realised there was no party in the village for folk in their golden years. They took it upon themselves to fundraise through the year, in order to run a party for them.
Taking place at Ben Wyvis Primary, all 48 of the party-goers get a lift to the school where they got a three-course meal with a few drinks, all for free. There was also lots of entertainment from musicians, Highland Dancers, a game of bingo and even a visit from Santa. The guests then were given a taxi back home, so they wouldn’t have to walk.
Explaining why they started the community event, Alister Matheson said: “What happened was, over 30 years ago now, myself and Donnie Campbell, we decided that we would try and raise some money and run a party.
“Donnie’s a bit too old now — he actually goes to the party himself! So I run the event alongside some volunteers. It’s about community spirit — for some people, it’s probably the only night out they get all year.”
