A Moray sports club, dating back to the start of the 20th century, has been saved from oblivion after volunteers stepped forward to rescue it.
Dufftown Bowling Club’s committee stepped down en masse recently, following an imperfect storm of ill health, retirement and relocation.
It seemed the organisation, which is 111 years old, might have to jack it in when nobody stepped forward at their annual meeting last month.
However, an emergency meeting was held yesterday in a last-ditch effort to find fresh blood to ensure bowls continues to be played in the Speyside town.
And more than 20 people responded to the rallying call to stop the doors of the historic clubhouse from closing.
Outgoing secretary, Helen Ramsay, who has held the post for seven years, said she was on “cloud nine” after discovering the treasured club would be in safe hands when she moves away from the area.
She added: “It was excellent. We have got a lot of interest in the club and a lot of new people have stepped up to the mark.
“It looks really good for the future. It’s very encouraging to see that so many people still care about the club.
“It was a shame that it had to come down to an emergency meeting. I think the realisation that the club could fold really made people think.”
It is understood members of the bowling club immediately began to consider putting themselves forward for the posts following last month’s shock meeting.
Concerns grew that the effects of a social centre in Dufftown shutting could be wide-reaching with older members using it to keep in contact with friends.
But Kenny Walker was yesterday appointed president of the club and Gordon McBain was named as vice-president. A new secretary has also been identified.
Last night, Mrs Ramsay praised the work done in previous years to encourage new members and was hopeful the new leaders would build on the foundations.
She said: “There were a lot of new members there as well as current members, who have never been on the committee before.
“It’s excellent to see new people coming forward who will have new ideas.”
