THE wet weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of Dumbarton church members this morning as they joined together to celebrate the King’s Coronation.

Local residents poured into West Kirk Parish Church at 10am to attend a coffee morning in aid of local Foodbank, Food For Thought.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: There was plenty of food on offer including cakes and home bakingThere was plenty of food on offer including cakes and home baking (Image: Newsquest staff)

Those heading along were asked to donate what they could to support the charity and in return, they were able to enjoy the festivities.

Margaret Tillie, one of the event’s organisers, said: “The Coronation was lovely, we all watched every minute of it.

“I think it’s important to mark these events, although I know everyone has different views, we here at the church felt it was a community thing.

“It’s a big turnout today. We are raising funds for Food for Thought as the group has been posting letters to all of the churches and with the way things are right now there are a lot of people struggling so we thought as this is ‘Volunteer Monday’ what better way to celebrate than to give back?

“I hope everyone enjoys today, we have two musicians who are going to play, one on the harp and one on the keyboard.

“It’s just a happy morning.”

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Wendy Tillie and her daughter Skye, age 3, and son Harris, age 6Wendy Tillie and her daughter Skye, age 3, and son Harris, age 6 (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Organisers put on a big spread of sandwiches, cakes, and various home bakes.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Some of the cakes on offerSome of the cakes on offer (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Attendees were also able to enjoy a selection of hot drinks as well as juice for the little ones.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Margaret Tillie and Norma WilsonMargaret Tillie and Norma Wilson (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Norma Wilson told the Reporter it was an emotional day on Saturday as she shared her fond memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Smiles all roundSmiles all round (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Mrs Wilson added: “It was very emotional. Shame about the weather but you can’t do anything about that.

“It’s history, it was just lovely. I remember the last Coronation, I was six. We didn’t have a television but one of our neighbours did and there must’ve been about 20 of us crammed around this tiny TV.

“If you were a youngsters up to about the age of 12 you got a tin of toffee with a picture of Queen Elizabeth on it.

“King Charles is only a year younger than me, it must’ve been a really emotional day for him as it happened as his mother is no longer here.

“I was glued to the TV, if anyone came to the door or the phone went I wasn’t answering it. My family came over during the day.

“I have grandchildren and they watched it intermittently but we were trying to convey to them that it’s history in the making.”
Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Big turnoutBig turnout (Image: Newsquest Staff)

The church’s coffee group meets every Monday in the church halls.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Two musicians played to attendees Two musicians played to attendees (Image: Newsquest Staff)

These kind of events are important to Dumbarton’s elderly population as well as those living on their own, Norma explained.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Mrs Wallace and Mrs Robertson enjoyed the festivities Mrs Wallace and Mrs Robertson enjoyed the festivities (Image: Newsquest Staff)

She added: “We arranged this because it’s just lovely for everybody to be together.

"Everybody likes to come along, they like to have a blether which is important as many are widows.

“It’s nice to feel wanted and included and just to have a good gab with your friends.”