Members rally to save Thurso Club
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COST-cutting measures are to be introduced at an established local social club to prevent it from closure.
That was confirmed this week after members of the Thurso Club agreed to a range of proposals to allow the Janet Street premises to remain open.
At an extraordinary general meeting on Friday night it was decided to reduce the hours worked by the eight part-time staff and cut the club’s opening hours.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays the club will be staffed by volunteers with volunteers and employees working on Sundays. The changes also mean the club will open from 6pm to 10pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 7.30pm to 10pm on Sundays. All other hours remain the same – although the proposed changes will need to be approved by the Highland Council’s licensing board.
The proposals should save around £6500 a year in wages with a further £3500 expected to be saved by reducing the number of gaming machines to one.
Changes to the heating system to make it more efficient and less costly are also being investigated. Catering is likely to be a casualty of the cuts – although it was stressed if a booking is made for a function with a hot meal the club could arrange to bring in caterers.
Secretary Ian Mackay is delighted the club, which has been running for over 50 years, will continue.
He said there was a “good turnout” for the EGM with members keen to ensure the premises remain open.
“What we have done makes the club manageable but we still need the members to make more use of it. That has been the problem,” he told the Caithness Courier.
Mr Mackay said none of the staff will be paid off although hours will be cut.
“They have been very understanding and co-operative, and we are grateful to them for that. We are also grateful to the volunteers who have agreed to help out.
“We have done all we can to keep the club going. It is now up to the members to use the facilities on a more regular basis. If they don’t they could lose it.
“I am happy this has been resolved as it would have been a shame to see the club close after all these years.”
As reported last month, the Thurso Club was at risk of closing its doors and paying off its bar and cleaning staff after its finances reached what was described as “a critical state”.
Income was not matching running costs and cash and bank reserves were being used to help keep the club operational.
Changing social habits resulted in less use being made of the premises. Only around 20 of the 200 members were using the club on a regular ? basis, it was stated.
The Thurso Club was founded in January 1956 by a group of local businessmen.
In its heyday it had around 500 members, but its fortunes declined with changing social habits with members dwingling away.
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.
