Jackie Wells, Locality Development Officer – Annandale and Eskdale
On a crisp and bright morning, I joined a small but determined team of volunteers at Balmaclellan Village Hall for a long-overdue clear-up day. As a space that sits at the heart of our community, the hall has welcomed countless events, gatherings, and celebrations over the years. But like any well-used community building, it had slowly accumulated items, equipment, and furniture that were no longer needed. Our goal for the day was simple but significant: to tidy, declutter, and restore usable space so that the hall remains accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone who relies on it.
When we arrived, it was immediately clear that the task ahead would be no small undertaking. Storage rooms were packed with old items that had sat untouched for years. Rusty metal chairs, broken furnishings, and outdated equipment had been pushed aside at some point and forgotten. The sheds outside were equally full, with tools, decorations, and spare items piled in ways that made it difficult for anyone to find what they needed.
Despite this, the atmosphere among the volunteers was upbeat and full of energy. Everyone was eager to get stuck in, and we quickly organised ourselves into teams. Some of us focused on the internal storerooms, sorting through boxes, relocating useful items, and clearing out anything that was beyond repair. Others headed outside to tackle the sheds and outdoor storage areas.
One of the biggest challenges of the day was dealing with the large number of old metal chairs that had become heavily rusted over time. They were no longer safe to use, and many had been stacked for so long that they had fused together. A few of us began methodically breaking them up so they could be recycled properly. It was hard, physical work, but also strangely satisfying to see real progress being made. By the afternoon, we had managed to dismantle a huge number of these unusable chairs and pile the metal safely for collection.
To make sure the scrap was handled responsibly, we contacted a local scrap dealer who kindly agreed to pick everything up. This not only ensured the metal would be recycled but also supported a local business—another small win for the community. When the scrap dealer arrived and loaded the metal into his truck, it felt like a genuine milestone in the clear-up effort.
Inside the hall, the transformation was becoming just as noticeable. With years’ worth of clutter removed, the rooms suddenly felt larger and far more functional. Items that were still useful were neatly organised, labelled, and stored in ways that would make future access easier for hall users. We also rearranged some of the storage layouts to ensure pathways were clear, shelves were accessible, and heavier items were safely placed.
The sheds received the same level of attention. Once everything had been removed, tidied, and sorted, we reorganised the contents so that volunteers and groups using the hall would no longer struggle to find what they were looking for. This alone will save time in the future and make life much easier for anyone setting up events or maintaining the grounds.
By the end of the day, although we were physically tired, every one of us felt proud of what had been achieved. The hall and its storage areas looked noticeably cleaner, safer, and better organised. The space is now far more accessible for community groups, event organisers, and volunteers who depend on it.
Volunteering at Balmaclellan Village Hall reminded me yet again of the power of community spirit. When people come together, even a daunting task becomes manageable, and the results make a real, lasting difference. It was a rewarding day, and one that will hopefully help keep our village hall thriving for years to come.