WORRIED members of Beer Social Club rallied together for a crucial meeting concerning the financial troubles facing the organisation. Around 100 people turned up to the extraordinary meeting held last week after it was announced the club must reduce its o

WORRIED members of Beer Social Club rallied together for a crucial meeting concerning the financial troubles facing the organisation.

Around 100 people turned up to the extraordinary meeting held last week after it was announced the club must reduce its overdraft by �5,000 by September 11.

Andrew Parkhouse, vice-chair of BSC, said the meeting was very positive and a number of ideas were brought up.

He told the Herald: "What we wanted from the meeting was to raise awareness so people knew the club was in financial trouble and to get the message across to all members. We let everybody know you've got to 'use it or lose it'."

In order to boost income, members unanimously agreed to increase subscriptions from �5 per annum to �8.

They also agreed the price of drinks should rise by 10p and fundraising letters should be sent out to all members requesting �20 donations.

A task force was also formed to devise a 'return on investment' business plan.

Mr Parkhouse added: "I would hope the future is looking positive but it is down to people using the club more."

To keep afloat the club must rake in �2,000 a week but currently takings are falling short of this figure, said Mr Parkhouse.

"We struggle to take enough money a week in the club to keep it going," he said.

"We've got a lot of members-around 260, but unfortunately they don't use it enough."

However Mr Parkhouse added that since members were made aware of the financial difficulties of the club, takings have been boosted.

He said: "The club is easily forgotten and people don't appreciate how important it is to the village. There are darts and skittles in the winter and we have a lot of other social events."

Even more social events at the club will be planned to help the club escape its plight and plans for a September 'Beer Beer Festival' are in the pipeline.

To join the club download a membership form at www.beersocialclub.co.uk or fill out a form at the club.