Christmas has come early for Polmonthill Community Snowsports Centre, who last week (28th November) was awarded a full Community Asset Transfer - for the total sum of £1. Following an exceptional amount of hard work from its Trustees and community volunteers, the charity has been successful in rescuing the slope from closure – and they can now look confidently at its future.
Following a handover on a short term lease from Falkirk Council at the start of October, the volunteers have been successfully running Polmonthill Snowsports Centre with a solid business plan and clear vision – and are now working towards delivering a fantastic community facility.
Paul Kettrick, Head of Finance at Falkirk Council said that the business plan for the slope was good ‘with a clear recognition that radical change is needed to be made to the previous management arrangements for the operation to be a success.’
In the couple of months that Polmonthill has been in community management, the slope has already undergone considerable changes. Dozens of volunteers have rallied to undertake technical training, to clean up the grounds and buildings as well as a complete overhaul of the timetable, lesson structure and booking system.
The Centre is also home to the Polmonthill Snowsports Club, who can all now breath a sigh of relief as the much-loved training slope will no longer face closure – and its racers can continue to compete across Scotland.
Linda Ovens, Trustee for Polmonthill Community Snowsports Centre says; ‘Everyone is over the moon that Community Asset Transfer has been awarded so quickly. We have a strong and determined team and a well-executed business plan – and most of all lots of passionate people who really care about the slope.
“In order for the slope to be a success we knew we needed to make some very quick changes. First off, we introduced adult beginner lessons – which have been very popular. Previously these were not available at Polmonthill but we quickly filled three classes in a matter of days. We also have a dedicated snowboarding instructor for a range of levels and our new booking system on the website means that people can book their lesson more easily.”
“Tubing sessions are now available and we are set up to cater for birthday parties – which is a great way to bring in extra income and welcome those who may not just be interested in skiing or boarding. One of our biggest challenges has been to let everyone know we are open as the rumours meant that people thought we had closed but through our social media and hosting our Open Day – word is definitely out there now!
“We really couldn’t have done this without the hard work of so many volunteers – all who have given up their time to make this happen. These are all busy people who have busy day jobs and families but still manage to find a few hours to come and help out. We are now looking for more volunteers who may be interesting in supporting us as we move forward with our exciting plans - whatever skills they may have, please do get in touch.
There is still a long way to go for the slope and we can’t afford to lose any momentum.”
For further details about lessons over the Christmas holidays and into the New Year, as well as opportunities to help out with the running of the Centre and volunteering, visit www.polmonthill.co.uk.
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For further press information, please contact: Rachel Colgan - Rachel@building-relations.co.uk or call 07886 873747
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