County's last remaining DLI club may close

AN extraordinary meeting has been called to discuss the future of the county’s last remaining DLI social club after officials revealed closure is possible.

The DLI Club, in Barnard Castle, is used for entertainment, quizzes, karaoke, dominoes, community groups and is open to hire. But the club’s six-year lease ends next April. The building’s owners would like the DLI Club to renew the lease for a further six years with an option to review it after three years. Eddie Tinkler, from the DLI Club, said: “Although this is a more than reasonable offer by the owners, in view of reduced attendance and takings, increased expenses and the average age of members, the committee are reluctant to enter into a long-term agreement.

“We have suggested a ‘six-months running notice’ agreement but this has been rejected by the owners.

“The committee feel that unless we can find a long-term cheaper alternative way of running the club, closure is inevitable.”

Mr Tinkler said an extraordinary general meeting would be held on Saturday, September 23, at 8pm, with the hope of finding a way forward.

He added that he would also like someone to take over some of his responsibility.

He said: “The club has taken five years out of my retirement and it’s the only retirement I’m going to get. I would love someone to take some of the responsibility and drive the club forward. We have got some new members and lost some older ones, but it’s getting people through the door – that’s the issue. We would love to keep the club going. The quiz night has raised £5,500 for charity and we like to think we’re a valuable part of the community.

“The place has had a revamp has hasn’t looked this good in years.”

Mr Tinkler, who is secretary and one of the main organisers, said he hoped members would attend the meeting with suggestions for the future. The building, at 31 Horsemarket, started life as a post office before becoming the town’s Conservative Club. In 1963, it became the DLI Association Social Club – a place where ex-servicemen could reminisce about their service days.

It is now the county’s sole surviving DLI Club, although its connection to the regiment is largely gone.