Ben Cleuch Centre Hailed A Success
Published on:
03
December 2012
The Ben Cleuch Centre in Tillicoultry was officially opened last Saturday, 1st December with a full and exciting programme of fun and festivities,
More than 200 people turned out as the new centre was officially opened by Tillicoultry Primary School pupil, Leighton McKee, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the Ben Cleuch Centre.
It was part of Leighton's prize for coming up with the name for the new community facility.
People from Tillicoultry and from all areas of Clackmannanshire turned out in great numbers on Saturday to join in the fun at the formal opening. And among the specially invited guests were 25 members of the Scotland Gas Networks Team, who worked tirelessly for four days last week in the town to repair and restore gas supplies to 3500 homes.
Council Leader, Councillor Gary Womersley, who was also at the official opening, said: "It was a wonderful day for everyone concerned, after what was a very trying week for the whole community. But it was so obvious that everyone had come together as a community and the opening of the Ben Cleuch Centre was not just the chance to celebrate a new and excellent facility for Tillicoultry, but also light relief from the events of the previous four days.
"We were delighted to welcome along the workers from Scottish Gas Networks and gave everyone the chance to thank them for their speedy and efficient work in restoring gas supplies to the community.
"Funding the Ben Cleuch Centre was a key political priority of this administration at the last budget and I was delighted to see a Saltire flying high on Saturday. I look forward to the people of Tillicoultry and beyond being able to enjoy this excellent Centre for many years to come."
A host of exciting festivities were lined-up to celebrate the opening throughout the day, including face painting, arts and crafts, street artists, storytelling, community activities, fun and games,balloonist, magician and a juggler. Refreshments were also made available.
Based in the former Family Centre, the new Ben Cleuch Centre brings together a range of services previously delivered in the community centre and library.
The services now offered in the new facility include a modern library, payment and enquiry service, a youth space for young people's activities, a range of services for children and families, multi-functional meeting and community space for use by local groups and organisations.
The first users, when the doors first opened to the public on Monday, 26th November, were the Tillicoultry Toddlers Group.
Chairperson, Suzanne Smith, said: "It's a nice, bright, modern facility, with a big room for our group. The whole move from our previous home at Tillicoultry Community Centre went very smoothly. We have plenty of storage and we're absolutely delighted with the new centre."
Ben Cleuch Centre opening hours will be - Monday to Thursday: 9am until 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 9am until 5pm.
Library, payments and general enquiries opening hours will be from - Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am until 12.30pm and 2.30pm until 5pm. Opening hours on Tuesday and Thursday will be from 9am until 12.30pm and 5pm to 7pm, and on a Saturday from 9am until 12.30pm.
For further information or bookings telephone 01259 213131 or by going into any council facility, including the new Centre itself.