Our Journey

When MCAG took over, the Centre was generally watertight and operationally functional. However, the building was in a varying state of repair, showing in fixtures and fittings, including roof and major items such as boilers and lighting which were energy inefficient and nearing the end of their operational life span. All services previously provided by the local Council ceased in late 2019, library books were removed, along with direct access to existing lets and booking contacts.

At the onset we carried out a Consultation with the local community to find out what they wanted from their local community centre. They said they wanted a safe warm space for the community with community activities and events, toilets, better lighting and heating, accessibility and a youth space.

The First 5 Years .... What We Achieved

A part-time Centre Manager was appointed supported by casual staff.
We have an amazing Team of Volunteers who carry out a range of duties, contributing in many different ways. The Centre would not function without them. All our volunteers enjoy what they do, meeting new people and helping our local community. We are extremely appreciative of everything they do at the centre and their commitment to making things better for the community.

We work in close partnership with Menstrie Community Council and other local groups.

Our Dumyat Centre Signage designed by Ross Hastie is located at the front of the building. It features a quote from Rennie McOwen, a local author.

We have applied for Grant Funding from various sources to support us in making improvements and upgrades to the centre.

We have made the building more accessible to all by installing automatic doors throughout. We have a range of hearing loops in different areas of the Centre. This was supported by Grant Funding from Communities and Places. CSET have committed future grants to help us improve disabled access to the changing rooms.

Roof repairs have been carried out with tiles replaced and new flashing.

The building has been freshened up, inside and out. Designated areas have been created and walls painted, some with attractive murals.

We have continued to improve the building as a sustainable facility. The building is warm, bright and more energy efficient with bright LED lighting throughout, new boilers, loft and cavity wall insulation and ne carpeting. Grants from CSET and Energy Saving Trust has enabled us to install Solar Panels and batteries. We are seeing a difference a positive impact of this on our energy costs and over time hope to make a significant saving in a time when energy costs are rising.

We welcomed donations of sofas and other furniture from various sources which have helped transform the Community Lounge.
Through donations, fundraising and grants we have acquired new computers, table football, table tennis tables an air hockey/pool table, new badminton nets, 5 aside football goals and new couches for the community lounge to relax in. A new Play Station for the Youth Club and Library users was purchased with proceeds from the CTSI raffle.

A donation from JK Rowling helped get the library off to a flying start ! Volunteers revamped the Library by sourcing a new stock of library books, new shelving and other furniture.

The Library is a fantastic resource which is well used by various groups, including Menstrie Primary.
We have a wide variety of genre to suit all ages and preferences.

The Community Lounge is now a bright comfortable space with lovely murals on the wall and access to coffee.
A lovely, welcoming space to relax and chat to friends.

We are a key events space with many activities ranging from the Village Gala Week, Craft Fayres, Bingo Nights, Dog Shows, Birthday Parties and many other events.
Internal meeting space is used for regular community meetings including CTSI Community events, Climate Change forums and Community Council meetings.
School Holiday Activity Programmes have been successful, with children having opportunities to participate in a wide variety of fun and exciting activities, during February, Easter, Summer and October.
Other community activities, including family events have been established for all age groups. These include - Mindful Medium TRX, Circuit Training Classes, Jump Around, Sweaty Mama, Pilates by Digicoach, Hush Little Baby with Lauren, Chair Exercises with Elsbeth, Lunch Club, Yoga, Citizens Advice Bureau, Roller beats Disco and Family Roller Skating Club, Skate Lesson, Senior Table Tennis, Music Bugs Christmas/ Easter Fayre*, Crochet Craft*Lego Club*, Chiropodist Service, events*,computer classes* Community Council bingo night, Toddlers group, Zone 60 Exercise classes, author events* Badminton, Crown Studios Dance classes*,Zumba with Ian, Dog Shows. Wim Hoff Method workshops, birthday parties, A way to play to name but a few !

Our Sports Hall is used for a variety of Events .........

Music Workshop

Craft Fayre

Roller Disco

Ceilidh Night

Welcoming in the New Year !

We act as a donation site for various groups and charities

We secured funding to build our own Dumyat Centre App which streamlines all our services and activities on offer. Bookings are also accessible through the app as a one stop shop for everything going on in the centre and Booking System.

We supported parking improvements driven by Clackmannanshire Council in partnership with the Community Council with funding from Visit Scotland. These include a , new access path, signage, a larger carpark with EV charging and landscaping.

Equipment was purchased including a basketball hoop was erected on the outside wall and new Table tennis tables .

We installed a cycle shelter with an ecofriendly living roof and tool station to help promote Active travel to and from the Centre with funding support from Cycle Scotland

7 Years of Community Management
In January 2025 we celebrated over 7 years of Community management of Our Dumyat Centre. Through hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and determination from MCAG, community volunteers and staff, driving forward a variety of initiatives and improvements, making our centre a welcoming, cosy, community hub for everyone.
We will continue to review activities and events responding to the needs of the community.
MCAG have made good progress as an organisation over the last 7 years, in achieving our goal to ensure that Menstrie is a vibrant, active community, that supports the health and wellbeing of the village, improving the lives and opportunities of members of the community.
Without continued support of members of our community and beyond this fantastic community asset would not be here. The facility, its programmes and activities are critical elements of our community and will only continue to develop and evolve with community support.

Our Journey Goes On ....

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse