Can YOU help to save Cons Club?

AN appeal is going out for more members at Gainsborough Cons Club before it goes up for sale.

The Conservative Club in Heaton Street faces an uncertain future after more than 100 years as a social and entertainment venue.

Back in the late 1890s, men would be seen queuing suited and booted to get into the club.

But in recent years membership has dwindled and the club isn’t covering its running costs.

So manager Dorothy Dawson is reluctantly putting the business up for sale.

She hopes if people support and use the club in the meantime, a potential buyer might keep it running as a social club.

“The Cons Club has been here such a long time. It’s sad to see a club of such standing go up for sale,” said Dorothy.

“I think it’s just the general trend that people aren’t coming out any more. They prefer to sit in front of the telly with cheap beer from the supermarket.”

“Sadly we are going to lose the art of socialising.”

The club’s 300 members range in age from 14 to 90.

“It’s a safe, friendly environment. And the atmosphere can be wonderful when you get enough people in,” said Dorothy.

The function room comfortably accommodates parties from 20 - 120 people for private events.

“We’ve always got lots going on, from quizzes to psychic suppers, entertainers and country music nights.” said Dorothy.

“We’ve got a snooker team, darts team, people who like to play cards and people who just come in for a chat.”

“If we could just get another 20 people along to our regular events, we might not be in this situation. But as they say, ‘use it or lose it’.”

Junior membership costs just £3 for three years. Seniors pay £7 a year and full membership is £10 a year. That gets you cheaper drinks and discounts on events.

“Anyone can come and see what we’ve got to offer. We’re a friendly lot,” said Dorothy.

“Hopefully this isn’t the end of the Cons Club. We’d love to see it bought and run it as a social club.”

The club is open 6.30pm - 11pm Monday; 11.30am - 4pm and 7pm - 11pm Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; 7pm - 11pm Wednesday and Thursday; and 11.30am - 2pm Sunday. For more information call 01427 612605.

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