A GROUP of Airdrie mums who have known each other for more than four decades have relieved their loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic by connecting virtually.
The Coffee Nights group have been enjoying weekly Zoom calls to keep their spirits up since last March.
Lockdown ladies Maureen Shields, sisters Eleanor and Joyce Davidson, Lyn Gardner, Margaret Gallagher and Ray Stanton have remained bosom buddies since they met as young mums at a mothers’ and toddlers’ group in Airdrie YMCA 44 years ago.
Mum-of-four Maureen and her five friends, many of whom are now grandmothers, decided to connect virtually each week after they were unable to meet up as a result of the pandemic.
Maureen, 65, a former nurse at University Hospital Monklands, also has six grandchildren and lives in Riggend.
She told the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser: “The coffee night started as a fundraiser when the children went to playgroup in the YMCA hall in Airdrie.
“Initially, all the mothers met up to raise funds for the summer trip. The hostess provided tea and coffee and everyone brought their own biscuits and donated 20p for funds.
“That was 44 years ago and numbers dwindled as the kids moved on to primary school, but the remaining six of us still met every week until coronavirus struck.”
The Monklands friends have supported each other through life’s ups and downs including births, marriages, deaths and divorce.
And despite lockdown, the women – who occasionally replaced their coffee with a much-needed tipple – have continued to boost each other’s morale and mental health.
Maureen explained: “The coffee night has always been a great source of support.
“Talking about problems puts them into perspective and you realise that life has its ups and downs. We all go through difficult times and come out the other side.”
Over the years the firm friends, whose ages range between 65 and 73, have travelled the world together and had also planned a cruise last year, which was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Maureen said: “Since lockdown we’ve continued with weekly Zoom calls. It still feels like we’re having a night out, even when we are stuck at home.
“The support and laughter that has helped us through difficult times in the past has been invaluable in these strange times.
“We’re in this together, although we’re apart. It’s good to talk.”
