“We tried so hard to fight back but, sadly, it was a losing battle": Liquidator appointed for Huntly Ex-Servicemens Club
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LIQUIDATION of Huntly's Ex-Servicemen's Club has begun.
The Huntly and District Ex-Servicemen’s Club closed its doors at the end of March this year, after more than a century of service.
North east liquidation specialist Michael Reid, of Meston Reid and Co, is to take charge of the historic social club's unravelling, it was announced today (August 22).
Mr Reid said the building will be put on the market – with its future purpose up in the air.
Created in November 1920 as a place for veterans to meet socially, the club was a top option for community and entertainment events locally.
The future of Huntly's Remembrance Day parade was threatened by the Ex-Servicemen's closure as the club organised each year's march.
However, a new volunteer committee stepped in to protect the Remembrance Day Parade and hospitality for those marching.
For many, the club was the place to go in town for darts, snooker, private parties and even weddings.
Sheena Arthur (82) first attended the club at the age of 18 and became a member when ladies were allowed to join in 1999.
She later served on the committee, latterly as secretary, devoting herself to the club and has left an enduring mark on Huntly's collective social life.
The committee fought extremely hard to save the club which had around 500 members at the end, she said, but that it had become "a struggle too far".
“The club has played a big part in this community for a long, long time," she said.
"It was set up to be a place for vets coming home from war to go and have a cup of tea and a blether.
“We tried so hard to fight back but, sadly, it was a losing battle.
"It was costing money just to open the door.
"We had whole families buying memberships and that bought us another two years – but it wasn’t sustainable.
"People seem to want other things now and the pandemic ruined it.
"It was the final straw.
"Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones in a similar position."
The club was regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a registered society.
Mr Reid, who is based in Aberdeen and has had a full insolvency permit since 1989, said liquidation will not involve any fresh redundancies.#
And added that efforts are underway to find a new owner for the centrally-located site.
“Steps are being taken to write to all known creditors and contact each member," he said.
"Fortunately, there are no redundancies at this stage because the club addressed that issue upon cessation of operating activities.
“I have appointed an agent to market the building which is located in the middle of Huntly and it remains to be seen if it will continue as a licensed premises or be converted for an alternative use.
"It is always sad to see such an established venue close for good.”
Ms Arthur said: “We’re doing the right thing now and trying to make sure that all creditors are dealt with fairly.
"We don’t expect there will be any money left for club members.”
