Social club for sale to clear £56k debts
A ONCE thriving social club in Bodmin has hit financial trouble and been put up for sale.
The Garrison Club on Omaha Road has found itself with debts of around £56,000, forcing it to close.
A meeting of members and trustees has voted to sell the premises in the hope that a buyer will be able to reopen the club as a going concern.
Another option would be to sell the property to a developer for housing, but at this stage the members prefer to see if it could be retained as a club.
Buy one get one free on main courses and specials excludes fillet steaks. Equal prise meal or cheapest free
Terms:
Mon-sat 12-2pm
Sun-Thur 6-9pm.
Contact: 01209 700617
Valid until: Friday, May 24 2013
The Garrison Club was opened more than 40 years ago and was a focal point for social activity in the town, but in recent times it has seen fewer people using it.
That, and increased running costs including a large hike in utility bills, has contributed to its demise.
Terry Hayes, a Garrison Club member and a former club secretary, said the property as it stood had been valued at £130,000.
It was hoped a buyer would keep it as a club.
"A meeting last weekend of members and trustees voted 125 to 18 to try and sell it as a going concern, and we're meeting again on September 21 at Bodmin Football Club to discuss the matter again and see what bids we've received," said Mr Hayes.
"We have a membership of more than 400, but the number of people coming to the club these days hasn't been great.
"On Saturday nights in particular it used to always be very busy, with entertainment provided, but recently sometimes there'd be fewer than 20 people coming to the club on Saturdays, which has been unfortunate."
Mr Hayes said the land on which the club stood could be worth £200,000 if planning permission for housing was obtained.
The members own the building, and after the debts are paid off, they would be eligible to share the remaining funds.
"The members and trustees are keen to see the club saved, and we will just have to see what happens next," said Mr Hayes.
Comments
by ChrisW53
Saturday, September 15 2012, 2:46PM
“it,s a crying shame,people like me would return if they had a Smoking room,I stay at home thesedays so I can smoke and drink in comfort ,they go together like fish and chips ,always have done and always will, you can,t seperate them ,the two tastes compliment each other beautifully !”
by suffolkpunch
Saturday, September 15 2012, 12:56PM
“The smoking ban has killed off thousands of pubs and clubs, and until amendments are made to the ban thousands more will close.”
by rt1379
Friday, September 14 2012, 9:58PM
“looks scruffy to me ...”
by Phil_lip
Friday, September 14 2012, 6:41PM
“Maybe spending some money on getting a jet washer and cleaning the outside up a bit might attract a buyer or even people back in.”
by kingofkernow
Friday, September 14 2012, 5:35PM
“No wonder they have debts!
Maybe the Guardian wants to investigate why the smoking shelter allegedly cost £10000 to build.
Most social clubs would have members that would volunteer to do the work for free so only material costs need to be met.”
by hallerweber
Friday, September 14 2012, 4:30PM
“i cant see anyone buying this club.
lots of social clubs are struggling because of cheap booze in shops.”