On-line launch to help threatened club

An historian leading a Black Country sports and social club’s fight for survival has launched a website to boost the campaign.

The future of Somers Sports & Social Club, based at The Grange, Halesowen, hangs in the balance.

Looming repossession proceedings, being pursued by The Grange’s trustees The Walter Somers Employees Fund (WSEF), could sound the death knell for the near 60-year-old club. Mick Freer, aged 63, says he decided to set up a website to keep people up to date.

Mr Freer said: “Everything will be on there that people could possibly want and I will also be affording the trustees and the club the opportunity to put things up on the site if they wish.”

The club was granted a stay of execution this week when the repossession hearing was put back. It was scheduled to take place today but Birmingham County Court will now deal with the case on February 16.

The postponement has raised hopes a deal could be thrashed out between the parties before the court action.

Chairman Paul Hill told the Express & Star he believed WSEF were now prepared to negotiate terms which could bring an end to the stand-off. The trustees are seeking rent and maintenance fees for the club’s use of The Grange but the club is unable to find the funds to meet the demands.

The club has been forced to raid the coffers to meet the £20,000 cost of fighting the legal action, leaving finances stretched to breaking point.

Around 300 people packed into a 90-minute meeting at Earls High School in Furnace Lane last week to discuss the club’s plight.

The club has more than 1,500 members and 500 associate members and is home to seven bowling teams.

A history of The Grange, the club and information about its plight are all available at http://www.halesowen.btinternet.co.uk/grange/Halesowens_Stately_Home/Home_Page.html

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