Bosses at a working men’s club have insisted it is business as usual after false rumours began circulating that the club had closed down.
Bold Street Working Men’s Club in Accrington has seen a decline in trade in the last few weeks, and the club’s committee decided it was time to take action to show it is very much alive and kicking.
The club, which has a key place in the town’s history as the venue where Accrington Stanley was re-formed in 1968, is now organising a talent competition.
Reports that the venue had closed began six weeks ago after the working men’s club committee held a meeting over its finances.
Committee member Dave Simpson said that he wanted to make the public aware that the historic club was still open for business.
He said: “There was a meeting held with the committee about six weeks back, the finances of the club were discussed and the idea of closing was mentioned.
“That has somehow been translated into claims that we are closed, which is not true.
“The rumour has really started to affect business and we want people to know that we are still here and we are still open.”
He added: “We have tried putting customer offers on but they haven’t really worked.
“We are holding a talent show with a £500 prize just before Christmas. We’re hoping that that will bring people back in.”
The club is looking for a variety of acts from singers and magicians to comedians.
The contest is open to people over the age of 18 who consider they have talent and is for amateurs only.
There are a maximum of 50 places available and the winner will receive a £500 prize.
Registration forms can be picked up at the club which opens Mondays to Wednesdays from 3pm to 9pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm to 11.30pm and Saturday and Sundays 1pm to 11.30pm.
Entry forms are available from the club or call 01254 235509.
The history books show that the social club hosted a meeting where it was decided to create Accrington Stanley Football Club after the town team’s previous incarnation was liquidated in 1966.
Bold Street WMC, which welcomes members and non-members, was also a regular stomping ground of former snooker world champion the late Alex “Hurricane” Higgins.
