OneRen’s festive cheer for communities as Winter Programme is launched

Family theatre performances, Christmas movie screenings, festive parties and opportunities to work up a sweat, or even make a splash, are some of the fun-filled events revealed in OneRen’s Winter Programme.

The programme which will be rolled out across the charitable trust’s venues is designed to be open to all, with a mixture of free, low-cost and tiered price points where people attending can pay what they can, in recognition of the financial challenges faced by many this winter.

OneRen’s venues will also provide a warm welcome for anyone who is looking to avoid some of the stresses that can come with the festive period, providing high-quality spaces where you can do as much, or as little, as you want.

Highlights from the programme include Hibernate a fantastic theatre performance that allows family audiences to coorie in for a wintry tale about an old mouse whose plans to create a snug place for a warm winter nap are thrown into disarray by a rambunctious squirrel. The show, which will be on at Renfrew Town Hall and is brought to audiences by Tortoise in a Nutshell, is very timely, with themes about re-emerging into the world and discovering relationships you didn’t know you needed.

Our Mini Manoeuvres activity events at the Lagoon loves Christmas and you can expect a festive extravaganza with dancers, hula hoopers, festive crafts, eco glitter & tattoo bar, and a Christmas tree will be on the loose.

Across our libraries there will be free, festive themed arts and crafts sessions, where you can make your own decorations or block print Santa sacks and even festival tea towels – perfect for those personalised gifts.

Dr Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of OneRen, said that the programme was designed to provide a warm welcome for all Renfrewshire residents, particularly those who may be impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. She said: “We have a range of events and activities to where people and communities can come together, bringing some much needed joy for all of us. There will be theatre, fun-filled shows, family activities and a programme that is for everyone, with a number of events provided free-of-charge.

“As we hopefully move out of the health emergency, we are all feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. We will continue to work with our partners at Renfrewshire Council, throughout the winter and beyond, to support those most in need. Across all of our venues, you will always be assured of a warm welcome, with a range of activities that deliver for the communities we serve. This is your OneRen, come and be part of it.”

OneRen’s public spaces are open to everyone. Whether you want to browse for a book in our libraries, or you’re looking to get more fit and active at our leisure facilities. If you just want a space to relax, at the Lagoon Leisure Centre, the ON-X in Linwood, Johnstone Town Hall and Renfrew Town Hall, you can come in and simply use the space to use our free Wi-Fi to connect, or use a laptop or mobile device to work or catch up on your socials.

At the Lagoon and On-X, you can also make use of the on-site café and enjoy a cake and a cup of tea while you get comfortable.

All of our libraries – and there are 12 in communities right across Renfrewshire – provide more than just the opportunity to read (although you can do that too!). There you can access free Wi-Fi and use our PCs for free too. There are also fun activity programmes for children, young people and adults, all of which can keep you occupied during the winter months.

Even if you don’t have anything specific in mind, you can drop by and make use of our outstanding facilities. Whatever your plans, you will always be assured of a warm smile and fantastic welcome across our community venues.

The full programme can be found at www.oneren.org/winter