We’ve Been Doing This Since Before ‘Hashtag’ Was a Thing

When we say our community centre knows a thing or two about organising and hosting events, we’re not exaggerating. As one of the oldest organisations in Stranraer, we’ve been opening our doors, lighting up our halls, and filling the air with the sounds of laughter, applause, and conversation since well before 2012. Back then, smartphones were only just taking over, the Olympic torch was yet to arrive in London, and the idea of a virtual meeting felt like something from science fiction, Zoom was something we did with a camera lens. Yet here we were, rolling out tables, setting up chairs, testing microphones, and making sure the kettle was always ready for the first cup of tea.

Over the years, our halls have seen it all, from weddings that danced into the small hours, to craft fairs overflowing with local talent, to community celebrations that turned ordinary weekends into something unforgettable. We’ve been the backdrop for milestone birthdays, charity fundraisers, Christmas concerts, ceilidhs, school performances, and more. Every event has left its own little imprint on the place, a memory stored in the walls, waiting to be recalled by the people who were there.

Our story hasn’t been without its challenges. We faced an unfortunate fire, COVID that could have ended of our journey. But the community rallied, and through determination, support, and a shared belief in what this place means to Stranraer, we came back stronger than ever. The result was this multi-million-pound rebuild that didn’t just restore the building, it transformed it, giving us modern facilities while keeping the heart and soul (and the original co-op floor)  that have always made it special.

What makes our history truly remarkable isn’t just the number of events we’ve hosted, it’s the people. The generations who’ve walked through our doors, the staff and volunteers who’ve stayed late to sweep up confetti, the organisers who’ve spent weeks planning every detail, and the guests who’ve left with smiles on their faces and stories to tell.

We’ve learned that the magic of an event isn’t just in the decorations, the music, or the food, it’s in the way people come together. And that’s something we’ve been proud to make happen, year after year, for well over a decade. Our past isn’t just a record of what’s been done; it’s the foundation for what’s still to come. Because if there’s one thing we’ve proven, it’s that when the community gets together here, something special always happens.

Do you remember any of the events below from the years gone by?