A SPECIAL year for one of the oldest senior citizens groups in the area was capped by a superb Christmas Party at Lochore Institute.

Lochore Old People's Welfare Council celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017 and chairman Joe Paterson described it as a very special year

Joe told the Times: "2017 has been very special for us as we celebrated our 60th anniversary.

"This was our final event of the year having had the the summer drive earlier in the year to Largs.

"It was hailed as a day to remember with good weather plus an excellent high tea at the Willow Bank Hotel.

"Then on September 16 we had the 60th anniversary event in the Institute where a buffet and entertainment marked the work done by the Welfare Council over six decades.

"Ore Bank Cafe expertly took care of the buffet and Jim Foster provided the entertainment with his remarkable song book selection."

He added: "The Old Folks Welfare Committee must be praised for their dedication towards this year's events.

"They are unpaid volunteers working for the good of the over 70s in Benarty.

"The Old Folks Welfare is very fortunate to receive generous sponsorship from SM Bayne and Rosewell Pharmacy. Donations from the Rotary Club are always most welcome as indeed are anonymous donations from members of the public.

"Lochore Miners Welfare Committee and staff must be thanked for arranging a free let of the hall for both the 60th anniversary event and the Christmas Party."

At the party Mr Paterson welcomed all with a Merry Christmas and on what was an extremely cold afternoon, he referred to the good news that Twinnie White, a long standing member of the Old Folks Welfare Committee, was now home from hospital and keeping a bit better.

He also referred to this year's new committee members, Ann Hay, the new treasurer, followed by Fay Watt.

The Christmas Party's catering was carried out by Dave's Diner, Bowhill, and this ensured the high standards were met.

Entertainment came from Jerry Duffy's Civil Folk, giving a mixture of music to the senior citizens which went down well.

This was followed by the ballot for next year's destination of the Summer Drive and with three alternatives on the table it was Ayr which won by a huge majority.

The afternoon ended with the big raffle where many businesses and members of the public donated many prizes.