Cash crisis threatens future of Royal British Legion Botley and District Club

The Royal British Legion Botley and District Club has been in the village for 90 years but now its members fear that last orders could soon be called.

Originally a tin hut when it was established in 1924, the building was re-built by members in 1982.

Since then it has played a key role in the village as Botley’s only social club.

Now, despite a packed calendar of regular bingo nights, cards clubs and darts groups, as well as annual children’s events, fewer members are using the Winchester Road venue.

This has meant the members-owned club, which relies on cash from the bar and people hiring the building for parties, has struggled to pay the bills.

Now the committee is urging the 300 members to come to its events to keep the club going and for new members to sign up.

They have organised an open day to show the community what the club has to offer.

Joy Haythorne has been treasurer of the club for 20 years alongside her husband Bill, 73, who has been chairman for 40 years.

The 65-year-old grandmother-of-two from Botley, said: “The people who actually use the club are fighting hard to keep the club alive.

“We just need members to use the club and get people in there. We want people to come up and see what we’re about and come and have a look at what we have to offer.

“We’re a friendly, family club with a beer garden, pool and snooker tables and a view to die for across the countryside.

“If we can’t save it, it will have to close.”

The club’s regular events include whist cards club on Tuesdays, bingo on Wednesdays, ladies’ darts on Thursdays and men’s darts on Fridays.

The venue is also available to hire for parties and family events, including christenings, birthdays and wakes.

Members will be welcoming the whole community to the open day from 6pm on August 16, which will feature live music and a barbecue.

For more information, or to join, call 01489 783772.