A PRESTONPANS day care centre celebrated its 30th birthday last month with a party attended by special guests who made the centre possible.

Harlawhill Day Care Centre, on East Loan, opened its doors to the public on May 22, 1992.

The birthday celebration, held in the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, was made even more special as it was held on what would have been the 82nd birthday of the centre’s late chairperson and founder, Jean Thomson BEM.

Jean was chairperson of the centre for nearly 30 years and on the steering group a year before it opened.

She passed away in March last year, aged 80.

Jean’s family attended the celebration and musical entertainment was provided free by artists including Glenkinchie, Bruce Davies and Kirk James.

Other guests included previous trustees and county business owners.

The celebratory day also saw the launch of an original song, Harlawhill, which was written and produced by Bruce Davies and Alex Hodgson, with additional music by David Vernon.

The song commemorates the day centre’s history as the old Co-op store and its transformation into a day centre.

A collection was organised to raise money for elderly people living in Ukraine during the ongoing war.

A centre spokesperson said: “A massive thank you to everyone who helped make the party an excellent day. We had a collection for Harlawhill and to share with our beautiful elderly friends in Ukraine.

“We both received £375 each; that is amazing.

“This money will make such a difference to the elderly in Ukraine, to receive food parcels that our lovely friend Alena Zozulevskaya will organise.”

Meanwhile, Martin Whitfield MSP tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament to congratulate Harlawhill on its 30th anniversary.

The motion welcomed the centre’s contribution to Prestonpans, including during Covid and lockdown, when its outreach activities were an important lifeline to many older people in the community.

South Scotland MSP Mr Whitfield said: “Fiona Mitchell and her team at Harlawhill provide absolutely invaluable assistance and support to older people in Prestonpans.

“I’m pleased to be able to contribute to the recognition of its anniversary with this motion at Holyrood and wish the staff, volunteers and service users at Harlawhill all the very best for the future.”