Jobs under threat in Thurso club crisis
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A LOCAL social club which has been running for over 50 years could close next month with the loss of eight part-time jobs.
That was confirmed yesterday after it emerged the Thurso Club’s finances have reached what was described as “a critical state”.
Income has not matched running costs and cash and bank reserves have been used to help keep the club operational. But now the bank has restricted the use of the club’s account and suppliers are insisting on upfront payments before making deliveries.
Secretary Ian Mackay yesterday acknowledged the future of the club is at risk.
“It is a very serious situation we are facing. We are holding an extraordinary general meeting on Friday, October 28, to look at the various options, including closure. If that is the decision then the club could close next month,” he told the Caithness Courier.
Mr Mackay stressed that changing social habits have led to members making less use of the Janet Street premises. He pointed out that there are currently around 200 members but only about 20 of them attend on a regular basis.
“It is a lack of use by the members that is the problem,” said Mr Mackay.
“We are still getting new members but often they join and you never see them again. If our members would come in even once a week we could keep going.”
He explained that the Thurso Club currently employs eight bar and cleaning staff on a part-time basis.
“They are aware of the situation and know there is a threat to their jobs,” stated Mr Mackay.
He said the committee has tried to keep costs down by reducing staff members’ working hours, using volunteers and carrying out maintenance work themselves, but despite that costs continue to exceed income.
He explained: “Over the past two to three years all that has kept us going has been private functions and anniversaries but that tends to be a seasonal thing. We have functions booked throughout October but what we need is more use of the facilities by the members. The message to them is use the club or lose it.”
He revealed that the Janet Street building is owned by the club and could be sold if the premises are closed.
The proceeds would be used to pay any outstanding bills with any remaining money shared between the members, but Mr Mackay is hopeful that scenario can be avoided and the club kept open.
The Thurso Club was founded in January 1956 by a group of local businessmen and in its heyday had around 500 members. There was a waiting list for membership and demand for tickets for dances often exceeded supply, but its fortunes declined with changing social habits.
The premises comprise three lounges each with their own bar, a function room, pool and snooker rooms, gaming machines, table tennis and darts as well as a kitchen.
Mr Mackay said the club has played an important part in the social history of the town for more than 50 years.
He urged members to attend the EGM later this month and hoped a way of saving the club could be found.
He added: “It would be a shame to see it close after all these years. It would be great if we could keep it going.”
