Legion's call to arms answered in Aviemore
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3 / 3Former soldiers and members of Aviemore Royal British Legion branch have won two battles – to save the club from folding and to transform their surroundings from a no-man's-land to a fitting tribute to their fallen comrades.
As their beautiful new memorial garden marking the centenary year of the outbreak of World War I was dedicated, the club members celebrated a turn-around in their fortunes at their Muirton premises.
"It's unbelievable," said chairman George Gaff. "Membership is thriving now, some 37% up, and funds have been coming in. One member, a businessman in Peterhead, has anonymously donated a fantastic £3,000 to the cause.
"The Aviemore and Rothiemurchus branch is thriving under new management, and we couldn't be happier. And we have to thank the 'Strathy' for their part in that turn-around.
"The 'use it or lose it' warning prompted a great response, just what we desperately needed."
It was on February 13 that the Legion made a call to arms over the future of their clubrooms.
"We are down now to less than 40 members, and that is simply not going to be viable" was the dire message from president Colin Gair. "It would be a tragedy because the facilities here in the north end of the village are superb."
Four months later, the situation is very different.
As Mr Gair showed off the huge new lawn, turfed in time for the dedication ceremony as promised by Graham Construction, the chairman said: "Things are set so much fairer now, not only for the Legion but for the community – we are here for everyone, not just old soldiers. Our new facilities are for everyone to use.
"We have weddings booked for this garden, for example, and locals can book it for barbecues and family functions of their own. They only have to ask."
After a delay, the lawn was completed by Graham Construction as part of the deal for land for car parking and access for the new Aviemore Primary School next door to the Legion clubrooms.
Saturday's garden dedication was well attended, and a hugely successful silent auction, with prizes donated by local businesses, raised over £1,600 for the club and the Help for Heroes charity.
The only thing that threatened to put a damper on the day was when the pipe band of 'Northumberland's Finest', the 101 Regiment, Royal Artillery, did not show up on time and committee members were left biting their nails, said Mr Gaff.
"But then, there they were – full of apologies because they had been held up at the 'Piping Hot' European championships in Forres, where they had had to wait to receive their prizes!
"We were absolutely delighted to have them here, entertaining the crowd, and they were well worth waiting for."
