Community celebrates opening of new arts and leisure centre

Friday 28 February 2003

Newtonhill, a small but rapidly expanding coastal village in Aberdeenshire is celebrating the completion of a new £720,000 arts and leisure centre which was constructed with the support of £107,500 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund.

The Bettridge Centre, named after the inlet made by the sea into the cliffs at the nearby Coastal Park is the result of five years of fund raising by the villagers. The centre adjoins the original community hall, which opened in 1986, and will be used for a wide range of sports such as archery, indoor football, Badminton, hockey, netball Tae Kwon Do and aerobics as well as the arts.

Sir Robert Smith MP and Councillor Carl Nelson will perform an official opening ceremony. Members of the public are invited to come and be entertained by the local children in a stage show, various sports displays and an opening night dance.

Ken Cruickshank, Secretary, Newtonhill Community Hall Association, said: "We want the centre to be used seven days a week. Our community has grown over the years and this will be a focal point for everyone from toddlers to pensioners."

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: "It is a tribute to all the hard work from the community of Newtonhill that the Bettridge Centre is now complete.

"I am delighted the sportscotland Lottery Fund has been instrumental in improving sporting opportunities for the village. I am sure it will prove to be a popular addition to the area enabling all ages and abilities to access a variety of sports, recreation and leisure interests promoting a healthier lifestyle."