Balderstone Club pulls last pint

The Balderstone Club

The Balderstone Club pulled its last pint on Sunday 21 January.

Tricia Swaby, who used to publicise events at the club, said: “It is very sad but hopefully somebody will buy it and run it as a club again. Saturday night was very good but sad at the end. Some members worked very hard to keep it going: alas it wasn't enough.”

Ward councillor Richard Farnell said: “It is always sad when a social club closes - but sadly it is all too common nowadays. I have lost count of the number that have closed in recent years.

“I know a small but dedicated committee have tried really hard to keep the club going and they must be very disappointed.

“Many years ago, Balderstone Club was a Conservative Club and my uncle, Lawrence Brierley, and his brothers were all keen snooker players there. They ran a family butchers shop on Oldham Road.

“It is sad, but a sign of the times. People’s lifestyles have changed and they do not drink in these types of places any more. Cheap booze from supermarkets is killing off pubs and clubs. A recent report said UK pubs were closing at the rate of 27 a week.

“Only last year Kirkholt Social Club was demolished. In its heyday, it was the thriving centre of life on the estate with hundreds of members. It put on really class acts every weekend.

“I was in Balderstone Club only recently for a fundraiser for St Mary’s Primary School and it is a really nice venue. I hope someone can put the building to good use in the future.”