Glencairn Memorial Institute

Glencairn Memorial Institute

Celebration

On Thursday 23rd July 2009 over 100 residents and friends attended the celebrations to mark the completion of the refurbishment of the Institute.
After a short AGM, which saw all members of the existing committee re-elected, Chairman, Bob Glendinning, thanked organisations and parishioners for their contribution to the project. The treasurer, Duncan Saunderson, then went on to thank some of the individuals who have helped in very special ways. The chairman of the trustees, Sandy Hall, unveiled the “thank you plaque” which will be displayed in the front entrance. The Reverend Christine Sime then dedicated the newly formed committee room to Sharon Henshall who did so much for the Institute and is a sad loss to the village.
The ceremonies were followed by wine and excellent nibbles provided by The Green Tea House.
Thanks are due to Duncan Saunderson who arranged the evenings festivities and who has worked so hard sourcing and getting funding for the refurbishment projects. We now have a community space that’s workable, clean and user friendly.
The refurbishment project, costing £76,000, included the installation of a lift and a toilet for the disabled, replacement of the downstairs floors and improvement of the entrance hall, repairs to the roof, division of the old snooker room to form a new committee room, upgrading of toilets and storage, boiler replacement and improvements to the central heating, installation of double glazing and recycling facilities in the kitchen, and painting.  The community raised more than 20% of the total amount raised. Grants were obtained from Awards for All, D & G Council Nithsdale Area Committee, D & G Council Village Halls Improvement Scheme, Glencairn Community Council Wind Farm Fund, The Hugh Frazer Foundation, Lloyds TSB, The Robertson Trust, RIAS, Scottish Community Foundation and The J & J R Wilson Trust.

The Institute serves Glencairn Parish by providing for the community a venue for the activities listed below together with hire of tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery and utensils all at a very low cost:

• Weekly events Guides and Brownies, Badminton, Martial Arts, Yoga, Easy-obics, Youth Club and various school activities on several days.
• Monthly events History Club, Glencairn Community Council and Institute Committee meetings
• Ad hoc meetings The Under Fives, Glencairn and Tyron Horticulural Society and Moniaive Gala Committee
• Yearly Events Gala Duck Race,  Moniaive & Tynron Flower Show, Moniaive Folk Festival, Book Sale,  Gala New Year’s Day Dance, Gala Barn Dance and Gala Valentines Day Dance
• Ad hoc usage Snooker, badminton, learning courses, private parties, elections and other events requiring a large hall or committee room

For precise details of current bookings see Time Table of events.

To request a booking of the hall, committee room or equipment complete a booking form which contains all the contact details and conditions.

Hire Charges

The minimum donations requested are given below however the Committee reserves the right to amend these at its discretion. It should be noted that these charges do not cover the costs of operating the hall and we rely on support on our fund raising events, subscriptions, donations and our own draw. 

In respect of capital improvements these have been funded from grants and support from the community. It is our belief that the strong local support has been a major factor being able to tap into many different grants.

It should be noted that our fees have not increased for more that five years.

TBA = to be advised after discussion by committee, MC= meter charges
(5) Includes use of kitchen but user cleaning up after the event

Membership

You can join the Institute by completing the Membership form. This will entitle you to hire the hall or committee room at lower rates and to use the hall for games, snooker or pool table provided there is some one over 16 years of age and the Institute has not been booked for other activities.

* to only join draw must pay Membership and yearly draw of £12

Draw

One of our fund raising methods is the monthly draw. A single chance costs £1 per month. You can buy as many chances as you like. You can pay by monthly stop order, cheque or cash. We have two people who collect cash monthly if that suits you. If you are going to be a regular contributor please complete the gift aid declaration and included with the application form. The prize is worth 30% of the monthly takings.

History                               

The building was originally built as a church in 1834. It was purchased from the United Presbyterian Church, known as Glencairn and Moniaive United Free Church, on 16th June 1921 for £350 to serve as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War. At that time various alterations were undertaken and the total cost was £2649 which was raised by the community.

The building was then valued at £4000. Alterations and upgrading in the early 1990's cost £80 000, upon completion the building was valued at £400 000. The community raised £40 000 of the amount over the previous 20 years.

In 2007/8 further renovations were undertaken including the installation of a disabled lift and toilet, repair of roofs and general upgrade of many of the facilities. These cost over £70 000. The current rateable value is £40 000.

The Organisation

The Institute is a recognised charity (Scottish Charity Number SC 9179 ) The current trustees are A Hall, W S Lowry and C Sime. In terms of the constitution the Trustees delegate the day to day management to an elected Management Committee. The members of this committee are as follows: