THE volunteers who make Lo'Gelly Lunches an important part of the weekly calendar for young mums and senior citizens in the town have been delighted with the way the initiative has been supported by the public.

The venture was hatched about a year ago, after people involved with St Serf's and St Patrick's Churches, and also those at the Salvation Army Hall, in Auchterderran Road, got together to look at starting a lunch group which would tackle isolation.

The target groups thought to be those who would benefit most were Young Mums and Senior Citizens, and the first session, held at the Salvation Army Hall saw almost 40 enjoy their lunch and a blether.

However, the numbers grew very quickly and the move later took place to the Town Hall and on Friday we called in to speak to the volunteers, who make things tick, and those who enjoy the weekly sessions.

Linda Erskine has been involved in the Lo'Gelly Lunches initiative since it started and she has been really delighted with the way things have developed.

Also a local councillor for Lochgelly, Benarty and Cardenden, and now chair of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Linda praised the hard work that the volunteers get through each Friday: "When we first thought about the idea everyone was confident there was a need in the community for this sort of initiative, with young mums facing times of isolation as do many senior citizens, but it has been amazing how things have gone forward so quickly.

"We have been getting between 60 and 75 most weeks since the turn of the year and we have an amazing group of volunteers who all put their shoulder to the wheel.

"Everyone has their strengths, ranging from our soup and stovie makers, to our sandwich expert, and our home bakery ladies, and of course everyone helps out with the serving."

The doors open at the Town hall on a Friday at 11.30 and on Friday there was a good mix of people going along for a blether and some lovely soup, stovies and sandwiches, topped off with marvellous cakes.

One of the young mums we spoke to said: "The youngsters have a great time and it gives me an opportunity to find out what is happening."

Four of the veterans we spoke to gave Lo'gelly Lunches a huge thumps up and one said: "Before this was set up I didn't see anyone on a Friday. It really is a great thing for us."

Another three gentlemen regulars said: "It is a lovely opportunity to get together and have a blether and enjoy lovely food."

The volunteers love their busy Friday lunchtime shifts and have been pleased with the funding the project has attracted.