Welcome to Bonar Bridge Community Hall

The building which is over 100 year old, contributes to the main village frontage on Lairg Road and sits next to the Carnegie Free Library, overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland.

The building was commissioned by the Oddfellows in the 19th century and then taken over by the Territorial Army. The Ratepayers Association bought the building from the Territorial Army in 1961 and ran the hall until it was transferred to the Bonar Bridge Community Hall in 2004.

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AGM Monday 23rd April

The A.G.M. was well attended by local residents and representatives from groups who use the hall regularly.  In his report Chairman Colin Morrice summarised the main events of a successful year, and thanked those who had contributed in any way to the upkeep of the hall, to organising numerous fundraising events and also undertaking the time-consuming task of preparing successful funding applications.

Following the Election of Officers, Community Halll officials for 2012-2013 are: Chairman – Colin Morrice; Vice-Chair – Alex Thomson; Secretary – Joan Bishop; Treasurer – Sally Thomson.  Other committee members agreed to serve a further term and were joined by Kay Smart, representing Creich Community Council.  The Chairman stressed that anyone else wishing to join the Committee or help in any way during the year would be most welcome and should contact any member of the Committee.

Committee member Ken Mackenzie then spoke about the next stage of the hall refurbishment, made possible by lottery funding and funds raised by the hall committee.  Ken will be drawing on his professional expertise to manage the project which will include further roof repairs and insulation, upgrading of the existing toilets and installation of a disabled-access toilet.  Unfortunately the hall will be out of use for most of June and July whilst these works take place but it is hoped that the improvements will make the temporary inconvenience worthwhile.  There was further opportunity to discuss the plans over the refreshments that were served at the conclusion of the formal business.

 

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COMMUNITY SPACES LOTTERY WIN FOR BONAR BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL

We are delighted to announce today (28th Febraury 2012) that we have been awarded £74,845 from the Big Lottery Fund Community Spaces scheme!! The funding will be used to carry out Phase 3 of the Hall Refurbishment Programme.

Welcoming the award Colin Morrice, Bonar Bridge Community Hall Chair, said: “The whole community is delighted that the final phase of the village hall refurbishment can now proceed, providing modern toilets, improved storage and external repairs & painting. The enhanced accommodation will be greatly appreciated by all our regular users, and enable us to attract new bookings such as meetings & conferences, weddings & family parties. The Big Lottery Fund investment in the fabric of the building secures the future of the hall as the hub of community life.”

Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn, added: “I am delighted that Bonar Bridge Community Hall is one of the projects to share in the first round of grants from our Community Spaces fund. Whether it’s improving a community hall, developing a local playpark or improving access to a local woodland we want this funding to bring people together to improve the places that matter to them. For local people in Bonar Bridge the award of £74,845 will do exactly that by providing a meeting place at the heart of the local community for everyone to enjoy.”

The Community Spaces award will enable the improvements in earlier phases including a commercial kitchen, 40 seater Tea-Room and Community Room with proector, screen, netbooks & internet access to be fully marketed, with the final pieces of the jigsaw in place. The village hall will look better on the outside and feel better on the inside!

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Refurbishment Phase 2 - energy efficiency measures is complete thanks to grant aid from Community Energy Scotland, Awards for All and the Achany Wind Farm Community Benefit Scheme. The community room has new windows and insulated walls & ceiling. The new insulated roof over stores and kitchen is in place. The balcony has been extended to the hall ceiling and the Tea Room provided with insulated & level access floor.  Just the  thermostatic heating control in the main hall to go for a warmer, drier most cost effective hall for 2011!

 

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The maintenance of the building is an essential part of the upkeep of the village. It is the only hall in the village and as such is the meeting point for local organisations and the centre of community life.

In the winter months the weekly Whist Club is hosted in turn by the various voluntary organisations in the town, thus enabling them to raise funds through the sale of teas and a raffle. This is an example of the spirit of co-operation in Bonar Bridge, where traditional values are still appreciated. The OAP’s Christmas lunch is the highlight of the winter calendar, when volunteers team together to ensure the older members of the community have a superb meal and great entertainment to follow.

The first Saturday in August sees the start of the Kyle of Sutherland Gala Week, with many events held in the hall including the Baby Show, Family Ceilidh & Whist.

The committee is currently raising funds for the refurbishment of the hall. This will be carried out in phases, starting with the kitchen in 2008.  

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Bonar Bridge Community Hall is a Scottish Charity - registration number SC000057

 

 

 

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