He found his practical skills were quickly put to good use.
"As soon as I came down, they said, 'you'll be the new president'," Mr Laing said.
"I've replaced every movable part in the place."
During Mr Laing's tenure, the hall has had new air-conditioning and heating installed, and tables and chairs replaced.
Plenty of money was in the kitty but there was an initial reluctance to spend it.
The main activities of group members are indoor bowls, and cards, mostly 500.
The cards group has dropped from three tables to one.
The hall is popular with groups because of its central location and full facilities, which include a kitchen and toilets. Mr Laing said there is no shortage of interested parties and therefore money coming in.
Hirers include any groups needing a meeting space, such as rose and orchid clubs.
"If you respect it, and look after it, it's fine."
A popular use has been for 21st parties, but use has declined for this to some extent.
The association has raised prices and requires a bond for events where alcohol will be consumed, after one-too many Saturday or Sunday morning clean-ups.
A related issue, as Mr Laing has discovered, is weekend vandalism.
As I talked to him last week, Mr Laing was attempting to remove some spraypainted tagging. When meths and turps were unsuccessful and he was planning to find some paint.
This was on some boards on the Cole St side of the building, which had replaced windows that had often been broken.
Mr Laing is finding his practical skills are coming in useful for incidents like this, but would be keen to see another handyman or two around the place, as well as new members of all kinds.
"We're not short of funds but we need more permanent members," Mr Laing said.
"Unfortunately, we can't breed 70-year-olds and 60-year-olds."
Contacts: Secretary Linda Robinson, 377-5598, president Wyvern Laing, 378-2289, or call in for a looksee on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons.
