Banff Town and County Club on the lookout for new members
A community institution that has been going for more than 140 years is on the lookout for new members to join it.
Banff’s Town and County Club was established in 1881 and has been providing social and recreational opportunities for generations of people.
Based at 11 Boyndie Street, it continues to offer its facilities to the community and has recently benefited from a number of improvements.
There will be a warm welcome for any new members who are interested in joining one of the oldest clubs of its kind in the country.
Club member Jim Buchan, who is a past president and secretary, said: “The club dates back to 1881 and initially the members were from the high end of Banff’s society and then some.
“That elitism went at the end of World War Two.
“Nowadays it is totally inclusive to everybody, and we are none the worse for it.”
The club’s facilities include a reading room and book exchange where members can read the latest newspapers and magazines, and there is space for people to carry out work on their computers with Wi-Fi available.
It offers private dining for members and guests for small and large parties. It also hosts its popular monthly Sunday lunches which need to be booked early to guarantee a space.
Its facilities can provide a venue for weddings, baby showers, christenings, anniversary dinners, funeral teas, annual prize-giving ceremonies and work celebrations.
There is a lounge and bar where people can meet up and socialise with friends. The well stocked bar offers malts, gin, vodka, other spirits, lagers, ales and soft and alcohol free drinks.
There are two snooker rooms with a number of competitions held throughout the year.
Outdoors, the club has its own bowling green with championships held throughout the summer months.
A number of social functions are also held over the year including quiz nights, barbecues and festive parties.
Club member David Milne said: “We will welcome any new members who are interested in joining and we have introduced country membership for people who live outwith a 35-mile radius of Banff. Those who visit the town at the weekend for example, they could join and use the facilities.
“Our local members come from Portsoy, Whitehills, Banff, Macduff and Aberchirder.
“We are keen to open the place up and encourage people to use the space for gatherings.
“We want to get younger people involved as well, as they will be the future of the club.
“It has always been here and it is vitally important to Banff that it remains here.”
Anyone interested in joining the club can contact president Brenda Mathers by email club@banfftandc.co.uk or club steward John on 01261 812429.
