Wansbeck Country Club relocating to Bomarsund

Posted by The Journal on Jun 23, 10 09:20 AM in Clubs/Societies

Supporters of a popular country and western music club have said an emotional farewell to the venue where they have been based for almost 18 years and raised ÃÂ£50,000 for good causes.

Tears were shed at the Wansbeck Country Club's last ever fundraising evening at Bedlington Community Centre, as they prepared to move out to a new home because of continuing uncertainty over the building's future.

The club is relocating to nearby Bomarsund Colliery Welfare where it will continue with its long-running monthly musical evenings held to raise cash for medical and other charities.

The decision has been forced by fears the community centre will be closed if no-one comes forward to take over its running from the county council.

The Journal revealed the imminent closure threat two months ago, although it has now been given a stay of execution until the end of July or August while negotiations continue on a possible community asset transfer.

Local town councillor Allan Douglas, who helps organise the Wansbeck Country Club evenings, said: "We held our last event there last Friday and will now be departing for Bomarsund Welfare, who have made us extremely welcome.

"What we can't understand is that we had a full house. We are having to turn people away from our country and western nights and yet the county council can't promise to keep the community centre open.

"We can't afford to run it and we had to make the decision to move so that we can plan future evenings and book bands. "There were a few tears shed last Friday after 17 years, but it looks inevitable that the centre will close."

Fellow club official Dave Armstrong, 70, said: "My belief is that the centre will close in August. The last event was a very good one, but also very sorrowful."

In March staff at the centre were told it would close on July 1, but it has been given a temporary reprieve.

Lynn Turner, head of culture, leisure and tourism at the county council, said: "We are currently reassessing the budgets for the centre."

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