Each month in this section we will provide more details on a particular group, which may just give you a “wee shove” to try something new. Remember that your annual subscription covers membership of all of Glasgow Southside groups.

This month, our spotlight is on our Board Games Group, which takes place on the second and fourth
Thursdays of each month in the restaurant annex within Glasgow Indoor Bowling Club (opposite Mount
Florida railway station) from 10:30 to 12:30. The Group Leader is Peter Gore and, as you will see
from his description below of the group, his enthusiasm is obvious and infectious.

“As well as standard games like chess, dominos and draughts, we also have Scrabble with a
word-finder dictionary and Cribbage sets. Backgammon is played occasionally. I often hear “I don’t
know how to play”, and my answer is always “it’s just like life – you learn by playing and doing”.
Did you receive a board game as a present, and feel guilty at not having played it yet? You bring
it, we’ll play it. We are all eager to try new activities.

We have a great meeting place. There is food, drink and shelter in a quiet space alongside the
hubbub of an eight-lane rink bowling emporium that is home to world champions, and a lively kitchen
too. The tempo of activity grows as we play our games, and the noise of pans rattling and the chef
singing at odd times strengthens the feeling of wellbeing.

How is your cognitive recognition? Playing games helps with memory function, and the constant
banter and discussion of topical issues lifts spirits. It is the easiest and best way to sharpen up
your synapses, and just making the effort to come along gives life a purpose. At the age of 65, one
of our members recently started a mature student post-graduate degree course at Glasgow University.
Further proof of the positive effect of effect of playing games and having fun.
We have recently been talking about visiting Settlers Board Games shop at 243 Kilmarnock Road to
see their vast array of games and crafts, and where individuals are welcome to play and purchase a
wide range of modern, old and medieval games.
So, don’t sit about at home waiting for other people to come to you - come along to us and join in.
It’s a chance to meet people who have similar interests and different life experiences in a
comfortable real-world setting. Being part of our group reduces your screen time and, apart from
the odd mobile phone call, takes you back to how life used to be.

I really hope I have sparked, or even re-ignited, an interest in Board Games, and I look forward to
seeing you soon.”
Peter