An Oldmeldrum football group for children is hopeful the Royal British Legion (RBL) branch can be saved so they can continue their classes in the village.
Last week, the Aberdeenshire club announced its “heartbreaking” plans to close due to rising energy costs.
An official decision cannot be made until an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) is held, but the club has said it does not have the funds to keep the branch going and does not want to pass the financial burden onto others by raising hire costs.
The building on Market Square is hired out by various clubs and groups from the area, and is also the base for the Oldmeldrum Community Pantry.
‘All the clubs are established here’
One of the groups which uses the hall every week is Kiddie Kickers where youngsters learn motor skills and coordination through sport.
Susan Guthrie leads the activities, which involve both children and their parents, every Saturday morning from the RBL hall.
She said: “It is the only hall in Oldmeldrum that is big enough for Kiddie Kickers. I’ve got two classes of 18 children at a time, and they each need an adult with them, so that’s 36 people in the hall running about.
“There’s not another hall that’s as good so I’d have to look at going outwith Oldmeldrum, but I don’t want to take it out of the community. We’re right in the middle of the village at the moment and I love the fact most of the children can walk here.
“There’s not a lot of children’s activities in Oldmeldrum, so I think it would be such a shame for it to go. Others could be pushed out too, and what will happen to the community pantry? I feel all the clubs are established so it’s such a shame.”
Impact on whole community
Everyone in the community is being encouraged to attend the EGM on Monday with the hope someone will be able to offer the help that is needed to save the branch.
The leader of Kiddie Kickers will be among those in attendance and is keen to hear what will be said.
“I think the legion is so valuable to the community, I’m going to be upset if it does go and I don’t know if Kiddie Kickers will continue if it does,” she said.
“The people who attend the class are gutted about it and are desperate for me to continue. There are so many clubs who use it and there are so many people who attend, mostly locals, who may be unable to go if they move elsewhere.
“It’ll have a huge impact on the whole community, but many people won’t realise until it’s gone. Maybe there is still hope, I’m keen to hear what will be said at the meeting.”
The EGM will take place at the RBL branch on Market Square at 7pm on Monday.
Conversation