Historic hall in Mey under threat unless more people join the committee, says secretary
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AN historic Caithness hall, which was renovated at a cost of £750,000 in 2008 and re-opened by Prince Charles, is at risk of closure.
That is the stark warning made by Ellen Simpson, the secretary of the Mey Hall committee, after the annual general meeting failed to attract new members.
She explained the hall, which dates back to the 19th century is used by various community groups from youngsters to the elderly for a wide range of activities including, bowling, arts and crafts and yoga, although some classes have still to restart after the Covid lockdown. People also use the hall for meetings, private parties, weddings and funerals while it is used on a regular basis by toddlers groups and senior citizens.
"We are desperately short of people to serve on the committee to keep the hall in use. We need to get some interest from people in the community. If we cannot get more people on board the facility may have to be taken out of use which we would hate to see happen as this would mean that there would be nowhere for people to gather for social activities," said Mrs Simpson.
"We have two office bearers and a committee of five but we could do with getting some young people to come on board and help us out. We have been struggling for a while but it has now come to a head and we have got to do something about it," she added.
Mrs Simpson, a long serving member of the committee, said the hall is warm and well decorated and suitable for a range of activities, including sport.
"They made a great job of the hall when it was renovated 13 years ago. The frontage was kept but it was extended at the back and has modern facilities inside. It cost a lot of money but funding came from the Big Lottery Fund, Highland Council, HIE and various trust funds as well as the generous support of the local community.
"It would be a real loss for the village if the hall had to close so I would urge people to help out with the running of the premises and stop that from happening," she added.
The renovated hall was re-opened by Prince Charles in August 2009 while he was in Caithness for his annual holiday at the nearby Castle of Mey.
The hall was originally built in 1875 as a drill hall for the First Caithness Artillery Volunteer Corps. When they ceased to exist in 1908 the building became a public hall. At the outbreak of World War II, it went back to a military role with the formation of the local Defence Volunteers. It is understood the Black Watch and Royal Scots were stationed there. After the war it reverted to a public hall.
"We are proposing to have another meeting on Tuesday (November 23) at 7.30pm in the hall. We will also have an open day on the Sunday before for anyone who would like to see the hall and find out what it is all about. The times for that will be from noon to 4pm," added Mrs Simpson.
