Ardgour village hall volunteer appeal

A LOCHABER village hall which ‘ brings generations together’ needs help to ensure it stays open.

Ardgour Memorial Hall has been completely renovated over the past few years. The committee has been self sufficient year after year and was successful in raising the money to renovate the hall, except for upgrading the toilets. Now the committee wants to develop new disabled toilets and a shower for visitors coming in off yachts. Speaking to the Lochaber

Times, hall treasurer Kendra Turnbull said: ‘ The renovation project was such an effort that we didn’t have time to fundraise more money for the toilets. The problem with every community hall is you have to find the time to apply for funding for renovations as well as fundraising for the general up-keep of the hall.’

Kendra explained the hall is invaluable. ‘It’s hugely important to the community,’ she said. ‘People don’t go down to the pub the way they used to so to have somewhere people can come and meet is important. The hall brings generations back together.’

With the up-keep of the hall costing around £2,000 a year, Kendra said the committee hopes to get funding for someone to work part time. She said: ‘ We are doing our best, but it would be great to get someone in even part time that is dedicated to apply for funds to take pressure off volunteers who are trying to fundraise. We always need more people, because it’s just a constant effort and we are tired.’

The hall’s funding also took a knock this year when the council changed polling station venues from village halls to schools.

‘We used to make £250 on polling day. This year that’s a loss of £ 500 to us. That is a huge percentage of what we make,’ said Kendra.