Battle to save town’s Legion
CHAIRMAN’S RALLYING CALL FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT
MORE than £3,500 has been raised by people in a Derbyshire town to help save one of its most prominent and popular social venues.
Ashbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club, known locally as The Legion, has been facing a huge challenge during the pandemic and its committee is appealing for public support to ensure it can reopen after lockdown.
The Market Place club, a familiar venue in Ashbourne for a century, has been receiving Government support – but the committee that runs the club says the handouts have not been enough to pay all the bills.
A crowdfunding scheme set up earlier this month aimed to raise £5,000 from public support, and donations have so far amounted to more than £3,500.
Club chairman Stuart Lees said: “I have been a member for 40 years and, when I retired from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service as a retained firefighter, I joined the committee.
“We have made considerable improvements to make the Ashbourne Ex-servicemen’s Club into what it is now. None of this would have been possible without the support of committee members and the dedicated staff, plus many people who have given up their time to help with tasks such as barbecues and building and maintenance.
“Before the pandemic it was the home of Ashbourne Rugby Club, with many other groups. We also had darts, dominoes and other teams which one day we hope will be able to host them again. I would like to pass on my thanks to all who have already given to the Justgiving page and written how much the club means to them – which makes this task of keeping the club open even more worthwhile.”
Among its supporters is the area’s MP, Sarah Dines, who became a member this year. She said: “Ashbourne’s Ex-Servicemen’s club is absolutely at the heart of the community here and they need our help.
“The club has been in Ashbourne for more than 100 years and provides a vital place for fun, community and support.
“Behind the scenes the team at the club also provide valuable support to patrons, whether that is helping them filling out forms, or just being a friendly ear, they are a truly valuable asset to the community.
“It is an incredibly difficult time for all businesses at the moment, but especially for the hospitality industry and perhaps even more so for private members’ clubs.
“They have received help from the Government, but they now need to call on the community to come together and help them.
“I joined last summer and have had the opportunity and privilege of seeing the work they do, including many acts of selfless support and kindness to many individuals, which are never broadcast.”
Ms Dines added: “I know times are tough for so many, but if you can support them please do so. I am doing all I can to ensure all business grants are paid as promptly as possible by the district council, as these grants make the genuine difference between businesses surviving this pandemic or not.”
To support the club, visit the Justgiving website and search for Ashbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club.