New look for Glenrothes club thanks to Big Lottery cash

Tired buildings and uninspiring surroundings can be the death of a neighbourhood but the fortunes of a community dependent social club have been changed thanks to an Auchmuty based initiative.
Warout Social Club committee members Bob Bauld (left) and Brian Skillbeck are delighted with the help the Our Place Auchmuty initiative, run by BRAG Enterprises, has given to bolster the use of the community club.Warout Social Club committee members Bob Bauld (left) and Brian Skillbeck are delighted with the help the Our Place Auchmuty initiative, run by BRAG Enterprises, has given to bolster the use of the community club.
Warout Social Club committee members Bob Bauld (left) and Brian Skillbeck are delighted with the help the Our Place Auchmuty initiative, run by BRAG Enterprises, has given to bolster the use of the community club.

Warout Stadium Social Club was struggling to stay afloat before Our Place, which works with communities to to make positive long term changes, stepped in to help.

Funded by Big Lottery the initiative was approached by stadium committee members Brian Skillbeck and Bob Bauld.

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Brian, said: “As a club we were living week to week and month to month. There was no stability in our income. We wanted to make sure our club was still here for the community.

“When the Our Place team started talking about utilising community space we really felt there could be a place for us here.”

A successful application totalling £9,000 was awarded to revamp the club and inject some life back into the tired fittings.

A year after the refurbishment, the funding has made a tangible difference. Bob said: “In the six months preceding the revamp of the hall we had a total of 17 bookings.

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“In the six months after the revamp we had 39. Between now and the end of September we are fully booked, we need to turn people away! It’s a good problem to have but we want to do all we can to bring the community into the hall.”

When Glenrothes FC are at home, and the stadium is buzzing the social club has noticed that more people are happier to come in at half time and have a seat. “Some people stay inside and watch the game through the window - it’s just a nicer place to be.”

And it’s not just made a difference to the use of the space at the weekend, the team at the social club has seen an increase in demand to use the facility during the week, with fitness classes and line dancing bringing the local community together.

“I would recommend anyone looking for support in Auchmuty gets in touch with the Our Place team. Its support has been invaluable, and allowed us to still be here to serve the community we love,” Bob finished.

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Callum Gow, BRAG Enterprise said: “We’re looking for everyone to get involved in the Our Place project – find out a bit more and get directly invovled.”

To find out how the team can support you in Auchmuty call Callum on 01592 860 296 or visit the Facebook page Our Place Auchmuty.