Three chairs – and more – for charity’s members

Published: Tuesday 27 May 2025

Members of Larkhall and District Volunteer Group with the charity's new garden furniture from McConnell through the Community Wish List.

Members of a Larkhall charity will be able to enjoy every precious second of good weather this summer.

For the group has received much-needed garden furniture after the council’s Community Wish List put them in touch with a business able and willing to help them.

Larkhall and District Volunteer Group (LDVG) is a charity that promotes the wellbeing of the community in South Lanarkshire through reducing physical and social isolation.

Its 96 volunteers provide a range of inclusive and accessible services and activities for the 360 members, including lunch clubs, activity groups, an armed-forces community group, sporting memories, and strength and balance exercise classes.

Sandra McCrory, CEO of LDVG, said: “Our members are mainly older and many have mobility issues, and they had been asking for outside seating to enable anyone attending our groups or services when the weather is nice to sit or eat outside and enjoy our beautiful, peaceful garden setting

“We didn’t have the finances to buy anything but, through the Community Wish List, we were contacted by McConnell who said that they wanted to help out – and we now have a table and chair set, two benches and a parasol. The members are delighted and we are incredibly grateful to McConnell and the Community Wish List.”

McConnell is a UK-wide company that delivers building refurbishment and planned maintenance services for the public and private sectors, and has one of its seven offices in Lanarkshire.

The company’s Regional Managing Director, John Hepburn, said: “We are delighted to support Larkhall and District Volunteer Group in transforming their garden into a place for the community to relax and enjoy.

“LDVG is renowned for working hard to support the local community's wellbeing, and we’re thrilled that we could contribute towards their invaluable work.”

The Community Wish List is supported by South Lanarkshire Council’s Community Engagement Team.

The chair of the council's Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: "This is another great example of the Community Wish List and the benefits it can bring to local communities and organisations.

"I would like to thank all the companies who have so generously donated so far."