The community of Oldmeldrum has banded together to give its Royal British Legion (RBL) branch a “fresh start with new powers”.
Dozens of people gathered at the hub on the town’s Market Square this evening to brainstorm ideas and come up with a plan to save the “excellent asset” from closure.
The extraordinary general meeting (EGM) was held in a desperate effort to form a new committee with more volunteers and find a solution to the club’s financial struggles.
The RBL branch has been a community staple since 1975 and is home to various local clubs and groups – including the Oldmeldrum Community Pantry.
But with energy bills jumping through the roof during the summer – doubling to £1,200 per month – the committee had feared they will be forced to close doors.
‘We need your help – we don’t want to lose it’
And as members posed the question to those attending the EGM, dozens of hands were immediately held up in the air to show locals’ determination to preserve the club.
In a heartfelt plea to the community, committee member Gordon Duncan said: “The high cost of energy for heating and lighting is a major problem – with bills estimated to go up to about £2,800 per month.
“These costs are not helped by the fact that this is an old large building with poor insulation.
“Urgent help required now to reduce our energy costs and urgent management help required to run the club.
“We need your help to keep the Legion club open. It’s an excellent community asset and we don’t want to lose it.”
Community ‘determined’ to save Royal British Legion branch
Several ideas were thrown on the table as possible solutions to the club’s hurdles – such as increasing the membership fee and attracting more young members.
While some residents raised concerns about taking up the heavy task of running the club in these challenging times, most jumped at the opportunity to do their bit.
A total of 18 people volunteered to join the committee and help the RBL branch get through the hardest of times.
One resident, who has been a member of the club for more than 28 years, took the lead by encouraging everybody to take a proactive step forward and show their support.
He said: “We want to save it, then let’s do our part. If everyone in this room gave a tenner to the committee before leaving tonight, we’ll have £20,000 in no time.
“It’s simple – if we work together, we’ll get it done.”
Club secretary Bill Findlay was left “staggered” by the overwhelming community support to secure a “positive and bright future” for the club.
He said: “From the moment I saw all of you in the room, I knew this place is not closing tonight. All of you not only turned up but really put your money where your mouth is.
“I’m absolutely staggered and can’t thank you enough for the support you have shown this club. We begin with a new committee tomorrow – a fresh start for all of us.”
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