Veterans and committee members in pledge to fight for future of historic Stourbridge club

Members of the new committee were 'forced to vote for its closure' on Tuesday due to its financial predicament unless it could raise significant funds.

But since then, members, wellwishers and the general public have rallied round to raise £1,300 from a crowd funder which was launched on the Wednesday, the day after the committee meeting.

The RNA is just one of the branches of the military which is represented by the Stourbridge branch and if the club – which dates back to the 1920s – is forced to shut, they and other members will be forced to find another building, possibly elsewhere in the borough.

Branches of the RBL at Quarry Bank, Halesowen, have closed down in recent times but members of the Stourbridge branch say they are determined to save their building.

Veteran Phil West is a member of the RNA who meet regularly during daytimes and is also a regular user of the club at other times.

“This is an historic building, but not only that, the military artefacts on the walls and in the room dedicated to the RNA upstairs are amazing,” he said.

“It’s a reminder of British military history and if this place was to close that would all need to be moved.

“We all support each other here, it’s comradeship and a place for people to come – not just veterans but the whole community. Everyone is welcome.

“If it did shut people would have to go further afield, maybe to the Kingswinford club and not everyone could make that journey.

“Once this place is gone it’s gone forever.”

John Cooke, aged 83, who served 15 years in the Army and 12 in the Navy, including in the Falklands, said the club was a ‘lifeline’ to him and many others.

He said: “This is a meeting place for so many groups.

“I have been coming here since 1982 and served on the former committee.

“It is the only legion within the Stourbridge area and we organise all the military parades and commemorations out of here – it is a meeting place for so many people.”

Nigel Smith said it was important for people to realise that the club welcomes people of all ages and they were keen to encourage younger members to join or visit the club, with regular entertainment being put on.

Pam Beasley, who is on the entertainments committee, said these were desperate times for the popular club but added that there was hope.

She said: “There is talk of a charity night and a number of acts have said they will give their services free in the coming weeks in the hope of keeping the club open as a going concern.

“These are hard times but this club has been part of the community for so long and not only serves as a reminder of the history of the RBL from a Stourbridge point of view, as well as being a meeting place for ex-personnel and others to enjoy themselves and also have an affordable night out. We are hoping that will continue.”