VOLUNTEERS are needed to help run the Devonvale Hall in Tillicoultry.

After the excess of Christmas, the pantomimes and the shows, and the splendour of the New Year’s party, it is time to get the venue back into shape.

At this time of year work is under way to make sure the venue is in tip-top condition, with checks being carried out on electricals, gas, fire safety and paperwork being looked over.

And the team, which cares for the Moss Road-based hall, are keen to recruit new helpers.

Laura Johnston-Brand, a member of the board, explained: “We need a minimum of five volunteers to run the hall. Any volunteers that come along to help don’t have to be part of the committee as we have plenty of tasks to be done that anyone can help with, but the option is there if they want to get more involved with the decision making in the hall.

“It is really important to get more volunteers so that it any of the five current volunteers are ill, can’t manage to carry out tasks or come to meetings, then there are other volunteers to cover them and take up the slack to keep the hall running. It also means that we can achieve more, with more hands.” Built by Samuel Jones (Devonvale) Ltd in 1938, the hall was a popular venue for community events until it was closed by the council in 2004 due to budget cuts.

A community group was created to fight the local authority’s decision to sell the facility.

In December 2004, the building was given a B-listed status by Historic Scotland and the following year the council agreed to lease the hall to the community group.

It continues to be run by the community, a dedicated group of volunteers.

Laura added: “There is a big variety of tasks that need done to keep the hall running, but we can work around anyone’s timetable. So if you can only manage a couple of hours once a month for meetings, or you have more time to help with the maintenance then we are happy to have you as part of our team.

“Anyone can come to volunteer with us and you don’t have to stay in Tillicoultry to do so. We have people from all over Scotland come to the Devonvale for events and we welcome everyone the same. You just need to have a little spare time, commitment and a passion to help keep a beautiful building running, no special skills are required.” If you are interested in volunteering contact 07926 807895.

The Devonvale Hall - Supplied by the Hall Committee I am the Devonvale Hall, a beautiful Art Deco building, even if I do say so myself.

I reside in the heart of Tillicoultry and I am blessed to be loved by so many people and, although it is rude to discuss a lady’s age, I am in the unfortunate position of having it displayed on my face for all to see, so it’s no secret I was built in the 1930s, but I do wear it well and still look fabulous.

I was created for the local people to call their own, who helped pay for me and over the years have cherished and even saved me when it looked like I was to be destroyed and forgotten, restoring me to my true purpose – to bring joy.

I have seen many first kisses and shared amazing moments with lots of families in my lifetime, I see memories being created everytime someone turns my key and throws open my doors.

Just now I have a little team of volunteers that help to keep my body in tip-top condition because beauty like this just doesn’t happen you know.

They also help me keep my doors open and for people to come and have their special events with me.

I would like to thank every person who has helped me over the years, your hard work shows in every brick.

If you would like to join my team this year I would love to have you and although you won’t get paid in money, helping can bring its own rewards, especially with a sweetheart like me.