Dalmellington community centre hall's naming ceremony honours area's mining history

A very special event took place in Dalmellington community centre – with a naming ceremony to celebrate the area’s mining history.

The newly-refurbished Lesser Hall within the centre was named 'The Miners Suite' as a tribute to the miners of the Doon Valley.

The community centre was built in 1957 with an extension being added five years later.

It was a building financed by voluntary weekly contributions from local miners’ wages.

Over the years, many CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation) gatherings took place in the centre, along with local events such as weddings, pit parties and dances.

East Ayrshire Council continued to operate the community centre until a buildings review took place in 2013/14.

It was decided that if the centre was not taken over by the community, then it would be demolished.

As a result, Dalmellington Community Association stepped in and took control under a community asset transfer scheme in February 2016.

And secretary/trustee for the community association, Sharon Smith, said: “Now the community centre remains at the heart of Dalmellington Parish, forever proud of our mining heritage, and the association hopes by dedicating 'The Miners Suite' it will be a constant reminder of the hard work and sacrifices made by local miners and their families.”

Members of Dalmellington Band provided the musical entertainment (Nicola Moore)

The project was funded by Suez Communities Trust, The Minerals Trust and Dalmellington Community Association.

Speakers on the day were Donald Lees Reid, author and writer of The Last Miners of Ayrshire’s Doon Valley, former miner John Logie Collins, Jim Whiteford, a former miner who unveiled the plaque, and Harry Kennedy, another former miner who cut the ribbon.

Pictured is author Donald Reid addressing the assembled audience (Nicola Moore)

Also in attendance were cousins Scott and Kenny Filson, who were thrilled to see old pictures of their fathers during their mining days.

Former miner Harry Kennedy cut the ribbon (Nicola Moore)

Sharon added: “Thanks also to the quintet from Dalmellington Band who played some wonderful tunes and Robert McKinstry Catering for a lovely meal. A great day was had by all.”

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