Sterling efforts hailed as key figure moves on
Thanks have been expressed after a popular east Perthshire development worker stepped down from her role after 16 years.
Petrina Menzies initially volunteered at Kirkmichael Session House when it opened in 2002 before being appointed to the position in 2005.
The centre has evolved and grown in terms of what it offers over the years, with Petrina having been the driving force behind well-attended activities such as knitting group Clicking Needles and the fortnightly drop-in.
A wide variety of talks, workshops, courses, displays and other events have also been organised – including the likes of the popular annual Perthshire Open Studios exhibition which showcases entries by local children as part of the Anne Exley Art Award.
Petrina, who left the role at the end of June, said: “I would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given me over the past 16 years.
“There have been too many events and activities to say which I have enjoyed the most, but I am proud of the continued support Clicking Needles and fortnightly drop-in have received during my time in the role.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to them for the card and generous voucher that I was kindly given recently.
“It was a lovely surprise and very touching, particularly to receive messages from members who have moved away from the area over the years.
“I would also like to thank the management committee for giving me the freedom to arrange what I thought would be suitable workshops for people in the area to make use of and enjoy, as well as the many members of the community who have always given me a helping hand when needed.”
A spokesperson for the Main Street community venue’s management committee said: “Petrina’s enthusiasm and approachability helped to build up the Session House to play an important part in the community, and she has played a central role in all that has happened, creating innovative projects, supporting users, and giving her all to the role.
“As lockdown restrictions are gradually being reduced and removed, the management committee hopes to be able to hold some kind of event to mark their appreciation of all that Petrina has done.
“The Session House has had to evolve and change over the years since it opened in 2002 and, with the impetus brought by Covid-19 and the move towards a far greater element of online activities, there is a correspondingly greater need for computer expertise in the Session House activities.”
A new community engagement worker post has been created.
The committee representative said that the new post “will build on the foundations already laid but will also look at innovative ways to expand into new areas, while remaining people-centred in what the Session House offers.”
For more information on the new position, email Kitty Clare on clareglenshee@btinternet.com.
Alternatively, call 01250 885218 in the evenings to find out more.