A popular community centre in Inverness is appealing for disco kings and queens who strutted their stuff there in the 80s and 90s to come back and lend a helping hand to fix the centre up for the next generation.
Smithton and Culloden Youth Club became renowned for its discos after it opened in 1984 – “they were out of this world,” says chairman Don Williams who was involved with the building from the start.
Mr Williams retains his passion for the centre, but says it needs fresh people to come in with new ideas and give the building a helping hand.
The centre was built in single layer breeze block by the community for the community on land leased from Highland Council.
In the early days it had 15 members of staff and was open from 7.30am to 10pm, hosting dozens of different groups, from mother and toddlers to badminton and was also home to a thriving youth club.
Mr Williams, 72, a former janitor at Duncan Forbes primary, said: “The centre was buzzing all day long.
“It was an amazing and fun place for youths and our discos were the best in town.”
Nowadays, the youth club has gone, but the centre is still booked out with mums and toddlers, senior bowling, martial arts, dance, football and a Kids Zone, together with an out of school care club.
Mr Williams said: “Dr Who would enjoy spending a few hours in here. We need the youngsters of the past to step inside and see the old place and realise that their help is needed to move it on.
“I’m still dedicated and committed to the centre, but I’ve been ill and you realise that more helpers are essential.
“There are loads of talented people out there who could come in with fresh ideas.
“The centre is hugely important to the community but the building needs a helping hand.”
Mr Williams praised the work of the volunteers who had kept the place going.
He said: “It’s been 98% volunteers and they’ve done a great job.”
There is an open meeting at the centre on Wednesday, March 18 to discuss the way forward.
Mr Williams said: “Everyone is welcome. We need to give more local people a chance to get involve in whatever way they can.”
