About US

Tong Recreation Association

We are committed to continue the work started in 1967 to keep Tong Hall open and thriving for our local community in the Isle of Lewis. 

How our story Began

On the 28th of March, 1967 at a meeting of the Tong and Aird Tong Grazings Committee, the need for provision of a playing field and recreational facilities were discussed. 

From there £100 was granted by the shareholders and a sub committee was formed. From this initial meeting, the Tong Recreation Association was formed and officially constituted at a public meeting at Tong School on the 9th of January 1968.

Photo:  Tong Community Centre (1974)
Photo: Mrs Mary Campbell and Mrs Katie Johnston cutting the first turf on the site of the committee centre in 1974.

Forward thinking

The committee and many local volunteers dedicated their time and efforts to fundraising with sale of works, concerts, and many other methods including sale of peats and potatoes. 

In one way or another, everyone in the local community contributed to the fundraising campaign.

Photo: Committee and helpers making gates for sale.

working together

The original TRA committee of six in 1967 rose to forty two in the year that Tong Hall was opened in 1975. The work and dedication that the whole community to raise funds and build such an innovative and forward thinking space for our village should never be underestimated. 

The size, scale and cost of the project was huge and the work shown by the original TRA has gone on to be of service to the village for decades.

Photo: Tong Recreation Association committee

[Photo] black and white image of Tong Recreation Association, a large group of young and old men and women, in 1974

The social heart of the village

Many of us who live in Tong have grown up in the hall, attending Toddlers, Youth Club, parties and concerts and now we bring our own children to the hall for similar events. 

It is the social heart of the village, bringing people together for fun and enjoyment. The building has seen some changes and hard times since it opened in 1975 but the TRA still work hard to keep the hall alive and thriving for everyone in Tong.

Photo: Halloween party at Tong Hall

[Photo] Tong Hall Halloween Party with many children in fancy dress

What’s next for tong Hall?

The TRA are currently working on projects to make the hall more sustainable and prepared for the uses required of it today. In 2022 we refurbished our front room as Business Hub and office space for local people and businesses to use. The space provides free wifi, hot desk and equipment for local groups to meet and enjoy great facilities. We also did a large amount of work on our playpark providing new equipment for the local children as well as build our new village polycrub. In 2023 we are hoping to build our new skatepark, launch a local growing project and look at projects to make the playing fields more usable in the face of drainage problems.

Image: Draft plans for Skatepark

[Diagram] Plans show layout of proposed skatepark

TRA mINUTES AND AGMs

The TRA hold monthly meetings where everyone is welcome to come and attend. We chat about projects, plans and events and we want everyone to come and find out more. If you have an idea or just want to join in get in touch.

You can view our meeting minutes here:

Minutes 2023
Minutes 2022
Minutes 2021

For archive minutes please get in touch.

The development of the Tong Hall website was supported by the CalMac Community Fund.