Pollok Credit Union and Post Office

The first ever post office in the UK to be run by a credit union opened for business in Pollok last month.

The merging of Pollok Post Office with Pollok Credit Union has come as a welcome relief to the area not only in securing the future of 14 local jobs but also in ensuring the longevity of a first class lifeline service.

By as early as February the offices will relocate to the Silverburn Shopping Centre in the Winter Gardens where a unit beside Barrhead Travel has already been acquired.

Currently the offices occupy a facility in phase III of Silverburn – part of the older Pollok Shopping Centre.

The new facility will continue to offer the same level of service but footfall is expected to increase dramatically because of the new location.

Four mail counters and two credit counters will be established and the staff will be trained to operate both.

Ian Davidson, South West MP and MSP Johann Lamont joined in the official launch on Monday December 8.

Jim Garrity, manager of the credit union said: ‘This partnership will secure two vital services within the local community. Post office services and credit union services will be delivered from one unit. It is especially appropriate in the current financial crisis that both should be working together closely.’

Pollok Credit Union has an outlet at The Wedge nearby and in Shawlands where much of the office work will still be done.

Ian Smith, Royal Mail’s Senior External Relations Manager said: ‘This will help secure the future of the post office in Pollok with the coming together of two trusted brands.’

Johann said: ‘This is very welcome for the area and is another example of the pioneering people in Pollok. It is a great initiative.’

Doors Open Day – Pollok Storytelling Centre

Nestling inside St James’ (Pollok) Parish Church, the Village Story Telling Centre treats school children from 25 primary schools across the city to a variety of educational and fun stories three times a week.

The first-ever story telling centre to be based in a church building when it first opened nine years ago, it is a popular place and attracted around 65 children and adults for Doors Open. The Gothic styled church building was expertly moved brick by brick from Pollokshields in 1947.

Margaret Thompson, church treasurer said: ‘Some children have never been in a church before. By coming to the storytelling it makes them less frightened of being in one.’

A reminiscence group also takes place every Wednesday when senior members of the local communities meet up to socialise and discuss how life used to be for them.

Margaret added: ‘Videos of old Glasgow really get them talking.’

The group are continually on the look out for funding to help them to continue with their projects. Anyone who would like to find out more or offer funds can contact Margaret Paterson, administrator of the centre on 0141 882 3025.