Many thanks to all who have donated or supported in any way. After a dramatic 199th parkrun through the snow in Pollok, Number 200 was successfully completed at Elder Park on 30th November 2024. It was great to be able to share that day with many friends and family. Even though the target was raised 3 times, your generous giving enabled this to be surpassed as a vital contribution to the church's redevelopment work. If you would still like to donate, please feel free to do so and all money received will be applied to the church project.

And I would run 500K

And I would run 500 (me)

To be the one who ran 1000K

To raise funds for CBC

When I wake up..........on Saturday 30th November 2024, I will not only be celebrating my daughter Heather's birthday, and St Andrews Day. I will be heading to Elder Park, Govan, Glasgow, in the hope and expectation of completing my 200th parkrun. That is 5K 200 times, from Inverness to Inverurie, from Drumchapel to Drumpellier, from Tollcross to Troon. Up hill, down dale, through the forest and along the sea front, traversing mud and mire, battling rain, wind and sun, and enjoying all the fresh air and beautiful scenery that Scotland has to offer.

If and when I fall over the finish line, my feet will have carried me for 1000K, and to mark that milestone (or should that be kilometrestone?), I would be delighted if you would join me in making a donation to Cathcart Baptist Church.

This has been my church for 42 years. The open garden area at the front and the urban orchard at the rear speak of the church's theme "Plant, Grow, Flourish". This is a place of warmth, welcome and encouragement, where lives are enhanced with faith, hope and love. https://www.cathcartbaptist.online/

From creche and Miracles & Mayhem (some would call it Sunday School but there is more of the Mayhem when my grand-daughters are around!) through Radiate Cathcart activities for teenagers, to the healing space of Renew Wellbeing, there is something for everyone. Many of the facilities are provided in partnership with our friends at Cathcart United Free Church and Cathcart Trinity Church of Scotland.

Dance classes, martial arts, Community Council meetings and addiction recovery groups all call this home, and are part of the rich history of 100 years of service to the neighbourhood.

However, as we look towards the next century, our buildings are in need of renewal, so that we can better serve our community. Our REGEN100 project is taking shape and will involve demolition of the parts which cannot be economically maintained and repaired, and their replacement with flexible, modern, energy efficient and eco-friendly structures.

These will include full disabled toilet facilities as well as a light-filled welcoming area to complement the various enhanced community spaces we will be able to offer. If you look below, you can see a diagram of what the completed project might look like!

Here is a link which gives the latest update on the process: https://www.cathcartbaptist.online/rehobothy3/

Plans are still being finalised, but the overall project budget is envisaged to be in the region of half a million pounds, and in the short term there will be many expensive preparatory costs to meet, including surveys and studies, and planning permission and building warrant applications.

Donations are invited and will be gratefully received, and all will be applied towards the REGEN100 project costs so that Cathcart Baptist Church will continue to be a place of Christian worship and community service, and that many more lives young and old will be planted, grow and flourish.

Please use this link to make your donation: https://checkout.justgiving.com/c/3659743

If as well as or instead of making a gift, you would like to come along on Saturday 30th November to join friends and family members in showing your support, you will be most welcome. The address is Elder Park, Langlands Road, Govan, Glasgow G51 3TZ. The park is easily found, being sandwiched between Langlands Road to the south and Govan Road to the north. The starting area is on the north (Govan Road) side, but because the park is so small, you cannot miss it. The runners will do 4 laps of the park so there will be plenty of opportunity to cheer us on. There is a play area if you are bringing children. The run starts at 9.30am (I should finish approx 10am!?), which may seem early, but then you still have the rest of the day to enjoy!

Here is a link to Elder Park parkrun which includes a map, travel directions and other information: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/elderpark/

Like Cathcart Baptist Church, parkrun is welcoming and inclusive, and you are very much encouraged to participate if you wish to do so (running, jogging or walking, or a mixture of any or all of these) at whatever pace fast or slow that is comfortable for you. If you are already registered with parkrun, do not forget your barcode. If you are taking part for the first time, then you should sign up in advance and bring your barcode. Elder Park is ideal for the first time parkrunner, as the course is absolutely flat. No hills! Register here: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/

No registration or booking is required if you just want to watch and cheer!

I would suggest arriving by 9.20am if you intend to run, or by 9.25am if you intend to watch.

Thank you for your support

Alan

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