Delph Club issues plea for community help to keep open its doors

A HEARTFELT plea has been issued to residents to help secure the future of The Delph Club as it is on the brink of closing its doors.

In November, a letter was sent around the village by the club’s committee to seek help and ideas to keep the venue on Gartside Street going.

But after little response, the club is probably going to close in the new year unless new uses and an income for the building can be found quickly.

The letter seeking help read: “It would be a great pity to see Delph Club, which is such a good venue for community activities, sports and events, close down.

“Unless new or additional uses can be found the premises will have to be sold to anyone who can think of a different use for this well-maintained building in the heart of the village.

“The committee and trustees have tried many ideas over the last few years but have struggled to find a formula which would produce a sustainable performance at or above financial break-even point.

“We hope the club can be saved for the sake of the community.”

The existing members own the club and a number of them are elected to be long-term trustees to look after the building while a committee is elected annually to run day-to-day affairs.

The family-friendly club boats a lounge bar and a pool room and a card/darts room as well as an upstairs hall with a private bar, kitchen and dance floor but also ideal for badminton, dancing and other activities.

Alan Shackleton, committee member, added: “The letter brought many expressions of sympathy and regret, but no offers to take on the committee’s responsibilities or enough ideas to make a significant difference in the near future.

“So, we shall probably have to close sometime in January, when we have allowed some time for users of the hall and club to find alternative venues.”

If you would like more information or have any suggestions which you feel may be of help please contact one of the committee members: Alan Shackleton on 01422 370470 or email alanshackleton@btinternet.com; Val Broadbent email valbroadbent@talktalk.net; or Louise Brennan email blouise97@yahoo.com