2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Alan Beresford)
Three was indeed a lucky number for a village hall committee when welcomed a number of important donations from the local community. Volunteers at Portgordon Village Hall were delighted when they received donations of a battery powered lawnmower and strimmer as well as a replacement public access defibrillator. Behind the generosity was the Portgordon Fireworks Committee.
The group’s chairman, Kenny Gunn, said: “We were delighted to be able to make these donations to Portgordon Village Hall. “The twin battery lawnmower and the strimmer are going to help ensure the grass areas surrounding the hall are kept nice and tidy, especially with the summer months on the way. “Working with the charity Keiran’s Legacy we’ve also purchased a replacement public access defibrillator and heat cabinet which are situated on the outside wall of the hall.
These were replacements for the defibrillator which Buckie and District Community Choir Group had donated around five years ago; it was more cost effective for us to purchase the replacement in association with Keiran’s Legacy, giving longer life battery and pads as well as a longer warranty. “Our fireworks group have also donated a third defibrillator to the village, which is again in association with Keiran’s Legacy, and is situated at the Portgordon football pavilion where Buckie Ladies Football Development train. “While unfortunately we’ve been able to get a new team together to run the annual fireworks display, the committee are nevertheless still supporting the village any way we can.
” Portgordon Village Hall Committee chairwoman Mary Vance thanked the fireworks committee for their generous donation, noting that the facility continued to go from strength to strength. She continued: “Portgordon Village Hall continues to increase in its success as an asset to the community of Portgordon and surrounding area. “As a registered charity we are wholly reliant on the support of volunteers and funds from grants, donations and hall rentals.
“Over recent years the hall has benefitted from grants allowing for an upgrade to the toilets, windows, doors, electrics and heating system. Imminent works include an upgraded sound system and painting of the hall interior. “We were delighted to receive a replacement Defibrillator from Gordon McKandie of Keiran’s Legacy and a heat cabinet which was donated by Kenny Gunn formerly of Portgordon Fireworks Group.
The fireworks group also donated a lawnmower and strimmer to help maintain the grounds around the hall.” Ms Vance went on to say that the hall is regularly used by a wide variety of different groups, including: Portgordon Community Church, which meets every Sunday; Portgordon Arts and Craft Group, which meets on a Monday evening; Paws and Claws Training on a Wednesday evening; Portgordon Stitchers Group, who meet every Thursday afternoon. The committee also organise and run various events, including quiz nights, productions from the North East Arts Touring Company (NEAT) and craft fairs.
Private hires have continued to increase with local businesses hiring the hall for various events/consultations. The hall is also hired for private functions including funeral teas, engagement parties, wedding receptions and birthday parties. The grants, donations and income from events and hires enable the committee to ensure that the hall is fit for purpose and can grow from strength to strength providing the community with an asset they can be proud of.
Anyone interested in lending a hand at any of the events at the hall is asked to contact Mary Vance at [email protected].
