MEMBERS of Nailsea Social Club are appealing for cash and donations to help secure the building for future generations.

North Somerset Times: Members are appealing for money and donations to help repair and refurbish the club.Members are appealing for money and donations to help repair and refurbish the club. (Image: Archant)

The club in Chapel Barton has 400 members, with the majority being over 50, but regulars are desperate to attract younger people to the venue to keep the club running.

However, the ailing club, which was built in 1792, is in desperate need of repairs and refurbishment.

Chairman Pauline Genge said: “The building looks an absolute mess. The whole of the outside needs work and we have also got to decorate inside.

“The club is owned by members but there’s only so much fundraising you can do within the club.

“We don’t necessarily need money, we need things like a new kitchen, a new bar, carpets and lighting.

“We’re not going to attract any younger people if it stays as it is.”

Members are also looking for clubs to use the venue in the day during the week.

Nailsea Social Club runs a pensioners’ lunch club on Fridays and skittle and pool teams use the facilities at night, but the building is not used most days.

The club has two skittle alleys, a separate snooker room with two snooker tables, a pool table, a dartboard, a dance floor and stage.

Mrs Genge said: “We are trying to protect the future of the club. We need to keep it in good condition.

“Our biggest problem is the fact that nobody has to pass our club and a lot of people who live in Nailsea don’t know we exist.

“If they look at it from the outside they are not going to be tempted to come in.

“Social clubs are important and we need to keep ours going. I’ve been a member for 35 years and I’ve made so many friends here.”

Members would like to thank Chris Bryer from Travis Perkins for donating paint to the club.

Anyone interested in donating to the appeal or becoming a member can contact Pauline on 01275 790761 or at pauline.genge@blueyonder.co.uk