A CHURCH in the heart of Greenock is opening its doors to passers-by offering a warm welcome and good food while raising vital funds for a much loved local charity.
City Church in Watt Place is a sanctuary for many throughout the week, with activities, drop-ins and warm spaces.
But the biggest event it runs is afternoon tea every Tuesday in aid of Ardgowan Hospice. The venture has been an overwhelming success. Over the last two years the church have raised £8,000 for the cause, while helping with the cost of living crisis at the same time. Host Beth Campbell and her top team of volunteers keep the cakes an cuppas coming as visitors dig deep with donations.
The teas are so popular they now have to make room for up to 70 people, regulars who come along to enjoy some tasty home baking and the chance to make new friends.
Beth said: "We just can't believe how popular the afternoon teas are and how generous the people who come along are. We can't set enough tables!
"It is important to us to support a charity like the hospice, and they always come along to support us as well.
"It is a really busy afternoon."
Beth, together with her husband, City Church pastor Ian Campbell, have risen to the challenge of helping people in the town through tough times.
As well as the afternoon teas, they organise a drop-in on Wednesday afternoons, helping families after school.
Beth is supported along the way by volunteers like Mary McRae, 70, from Wemyss Bay, who is a hostess at the afternoon tea.
Mary said: "I love coming along and helping out. It is very busy, but you get a great blether as well. It is important to serve the community and this is something I look forward to every week."
Gourock woman Margaret Sweeney and her friends Betty McNab, Jean Carroll, Anna Ramage and Betty Cole enjoy the gatherings.
Margaret said: "We all have a wee chat and it breaks up the week. We are made to feel so welcome. "
Hospice representative Laura Wilson said: "City Church are wonderful supporters of the hospice. We just can't thank them enough."
The afternoon teas take place at City Church each Tuesday from 2-4pm.
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