Fears grow for future of 'much-loved' social club

Rachel Leason has worked at the Hedon and District Royal British Legion Club for almost a decade

A social club is at "severe risk" of closure after serving the local community for almost a century, managers have said.

The Hedon and District Royal British Legion (RBL) Club, which is affiliated with the national charity by name only, needs to raise a minimum of £5,000 to keep its doors open.

It said the rising cost of living, lack of customers, energy costs, and rising staff wages were to blame. The building on Magdalen Gate, Hedon, also required a new boiler and flooring, officials said.

Assistant manager Rachel Leason added: "It's been one thing after another, it's just killed us."

Ms Leason, who has worked at the club for almost 10 years, described it as "a much-loved part of her family".

She said: "We're facing bankruptcy if we don't do something quick. We need some big money in a matter of weeks to save us.

"For some people this is the only place they go. If they lose it, they'll be sat in by themselves every day with nobody to talk to. That is a massive loss."

The Hedon and District Branch of the RBL was first established in 1933. It took over the running of the social club, then known as the United Services Club, in 1945.

The venue provides help and support for veterans and serving personnel as well as non-members. It also hosts snooker, darts and poker teams, all of which would lose their home if the club was to shut.

Martin Elwood regularly plays snooker at the club and says he would be "devastated" if it closed

Martin Elwood, who first visited the club in 1984, said he was "shocked" by the situation and would be "devastated" if it closed.

"It's been in my life for 42 years and it wouldn't be the same. I've made a lot of friends at the place," he said.

"If it did go down the proverbial toilet, it would be a sad day."

Mayor of Hedon, Phillip Hinch, said it would be a "great loss" if the venue was to close.

He said: "This club is the heartbeat of Hedon and it's a huge part of the community.

"We just want people through the door. Once you've experienced the club, you'll come back."

The club has appealed for the community to rally round and save them from closure

The charity, Royal British Legion, told the BBC it had no financial involvement in running any members' clubs, including the Hedon and District branch.

It said: "They are not part of the charity The Royal British Legion but operate under a licence issued by the RBL allowing them to use our name.

"The RBL has no responsibility for the management or activities of the clubs, which are run as businesses."

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