Ferndale Working Men's Club doomed to closure (From Swindon Advertiser)

Ferndale Working Men's Club doomed to closure

10:30am Saturday 23rd March 2013 in News By Matthew Edwards

Ferndale Working Men’s Club

DESPITE a rallying call committee members have failed to save Ferndale Working Men’s Club from closure.

The club, which opened 108 years ago, will close after being hit with spiralling debts.

In August last year, members of the club in Ferndale Road, said they had to sell off its function rooms and skittle alley to help pay off debts of £66,000.

But a notice was published in the Adver yesterday notifying any members who had a claim or interest in the club that it was being dissolved.

The Adver contacted the club yesterday but they refused to comment.

Speaking in August last year, trustee Martin Gleed said: “Every club in the country is going through difficult times, which is down to the economic climate and the fact that families are struggling and having to cut back. However we have enough loyal members to fight to keep the club going.

“It’s been here 108 years and some members have been coming here all their lives. But if 80 per cent of the membership support the club, it will survive.”

The Ferndale Working Men’s Club has become the latest in a series of clubs to hit hard times.

Milton Road Club, which has existed under various names since the 1920s, closed its doors last year after struggling with debts and dwindling membership.

Meanwhile, Morris Street Working Men’s Club, in Rodbourne, which went into receivership, was taken over by Margaret Burns, a member who had run the White House, in the town centre.

Any members with a claim against Ferndale Working Men’s Club should write to PO BOX 3854 Swindon SN2 9HG before May 25. After that date the estate will be distributed with regard only to those who have sent in their claims or interests.