Sir Alex Ferguson has pledged his support to a
£200,000 refurbishment project for Aberdeen's Boys'
Brigade headquarters. The Aberdeen and District Battalion is
ploughing ahead with plans to revamp the 98-year-old
building. And Sir Alex, the boss of Manchester United, flew
to the North-east to finalise his involvement in the
campaign. The former Aberdeen FC manager agreed to be patron
of the fundraising effort.
Sir Alex, who was in the Boys' Brigade in Govan from the age
of eight to 18, said: "I am happy to be the patron of the
venture to upgrade the facilities. "It's a privilege to be
asked. "My involvement in the Boys' Brigade goes back 50
years and I am honorary vice-president of the battalion and
the Brigade nationally. It is something worthwhile for young
people and hopefully we can get this project up and running.
"The building is 98-years-old and in need of repair and
renovation and the plans will improve facilities for young
people."
The Aberdeen and District Battalion spent three years
consulting on whether to move from its Crimon Place base or
upgrade the building. After deciding to stay put the group
has spent the last year discussing plans. It has agreed to
create male and female dormitories, install new heating and
rewire the building. The plans will also see the kitchen and
toilet facilities refurbished, including the creation of
disabled toilets and upgrade of the large hall to form a
multi purpose sports/meeting area. It's hoped the project
would be completed by the end of 2008, the centenary year of
the Boys' Brigade moving to Crimon Place. The plans would
allow other organisations to be able to book into the
dormitories. And Battalion officials hope National Boys'
Brigade courses and competitions could be hosted.
The Battalion is absolutely delighted to have Sir Alex on
board and their fundraising starts now. We plan to keep HQ
open for the duration of the work but hope to be complete by
the end of 2008.
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