Legions Of Possibilities
Revamped venue is a welcome place for everyone
Invited guests from local clubs and organisations had the chance to run the rule over the newlyrefurbished Royal British Legion Scotland clubrooms in Crieff on Friday evening.
The Perth Road premises have been modernised and now boast contemporary light fittings and soft furnishings, disabled toilets and nappychanging facilities.
Chairman of the Crieff branch, Tom McKiddie, stressed the venue is available for hire to the whole community and not just for members.
Invited guests from local clubs and organisations had the chance to look over Crieff ’s newlyrefurbished Royal British Legion Scotland clubrooms on Friday evening.
The Perth Road premises have been modernised to a high standard and now boast modern light fittings and soft furnishings, disabled toilets and nappychanging facilities.
Chairman of the RBLS Crieff branch,
Tom McKiddie was pleased to showcase the upgraded facilities and stressed the venue is not just for members but is available for hire to the whole community.
Describing some of the changes, Mr McKiddie said: “When you walk into the hallway it now looks brighter and bigger.
“The ladies’ and gents’ toilets are still in the same place but slightly smaller.
“This was done to incorporate a disabled toilet in between, and we now have baby changing facilities.
“Our function room, as it will now be called, has been transformed and is like a village hall where just about any event can be catered for.”
As well has having modern soft furnishings, the function hall also boasts lighting for all occasions – from bright light for bingo fans to more subdued lighting for low-key events.
New curtains and pelmets hide the dart boards along the back wall and the centrally-placed glitter ball can be set spinning to provide a colourfully-lit party atmosphere.
Strathearn ward councillor Rhona
Brock was on the committee overseeing the upgrade.
She said that they had taken on board requests from different user groups when making their decisions.
Mrs Brock commented: “Work started on January 6 this year with local tradesmen.
“The wallpaper was a bit of a challenge but they got there.
“It was completed in six weeks and it is marvellous what has been achieved in such a short time.
“We have a loop system for the hard of hearing and a sound system and we hope to eventually get a stage.”
Elean Grodzicki and Christine O’Neill from Kids Week in Crieff (KWIC) were among those admiring the Legion’s new look.
Elean told the Herald: “I’ve used the it in the past for my son’s birthday party but now would be inclined to use it for a party for myself.
“The new decor lends itself to being a more versatile space that can be used for a variety of events.”
Christine added: “From a KWIC point of view, it is definitely one to consider for events and is on our radar now.”
Members of Crieff Round Table were also in attendance.
Vice-chair Barry Chiverton commented: “The place is looking great. I’m very impressed.”
RBLS Crieff branch president Peter
McFarlane, who has been a member for more than 50 years, proposed a toast to the refurbished clubrooms on the night.
He said: “This project was really ambitious and has been a great success.”
Perth and Kinross Lord Lieutenant Stephen Leckie was also in attendance.
He commented: “There have been a lot of events held here over the years.
“It is nice to have a hall for all occasions – for entertainment as well as formal occasions.”
And Flight Lieutenant Graham Taylor of 1743 ( Crieff ) Squadron Air training
Corps was also quick to sing the praises of the Legion.
The air cadet unit used the Legion’s hall for its weekly meetings in the early days of its formation.
Flt Lt Taylor said: “The squadron still uses it on occasion and we will be holding our dinner here shortly.
“We have always supported the Legion 100 per cent. If it had not been for the Crieff branch we wouldn’t have a squadron here in Crieff today.
“The Legion was a saving grace for us and is an asset for the community.”
Mr McKiddie added: “I would like to commend the committee for their hard work and diligence in making this happen.
“Thank you to all the local tradesmen who completed the work to the highest level and to Colin Crawford and Rhona Brock who managed to secure funding for the project.
“I personally think the biggest thanks should go to Rhona Brock, Lily McKiddie and Irene Anderson for all the hours and work they put into the planning, designing and finishings of the refurbishment.”