A club in Failsworth which operates as a community hub said while it has narrowly avoided disaster, it is still struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis.
After rumours circulated that the Failsworth Home Guard Club on Poplar Street was due to close down next month, the club has put the record straight and confirmed it will remain open.
Posts on social media claimed the club was in "imminent danger of closing" and had announced it would be forced to close on May 7.
The post, put up by a member of the club, described the Home Guard as a community hub that is used by older residents and other members for entertainment, games and bingo which "keeps them attached to the community" while aiding their mental health.
In an appeal for support, the notice continued: "If this club closes it will be a sad day for Failsworth and for the many residents who use its facilities, whether it’s the pool, snooker or darts teams, the local football teams it has supported over the years or the centre of the community for birthday parties, anniversary’s or funeral wakes.
"Whilst we all understand that if a business is not financially viable then it naturally will struggle, it is the excessive gas and electric increases that will be the final nail in the coffin for this fine institution."
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts
The appeal ended by calling on businesses that may be able to help to keep the club afloat.
"It is a vital part of the community for many of our residents and families.
"Its closure could mean solitary lives for so many", it concluded.
But Thomas Jeffery, who runs the club with his wife and family, said it will no longer be closing after he managed to source some funding.
Mr Jeffery said: "The rumours were true because we were going to close on May 7 after the elections, but we're not doing now.
"I've managed to sort everything out and get some funding so we are staying open and we should be okay now for the next two years.
"We are open for business as usual.
"We've got to keep it up and get more people in", he added.
However, he said times have been tough for the club and the tough economic climate is a constant pressure.
"Since Covid, people have got a different way of living now.
"Gas, electric, the pandemic, this recession - it's taken its toll on everybody.
"No one's got the money that they had. Every time you go shopping, there's another £10 or £20 on the bill.
"It's terrible and no one seems to care.
"It's a vicious, vicious world that we're living in.
He described the Home Guard as a community which looks after everyone from different walks of life but said the club has struggled to gain financial support.
"It's a community. It's where old people come to do their dancing and bingo, without that, they've got nothing.
"They're so caring too - when I said I started bingo again, I was like a messiah. People were saying they can't thank us enough and were bringing in chocolates and things like that.
"I did ask Oldham Council for help, with gas and electric being through the roof, but they said they could make it into a warm hub for tea and coffee but you don't get anything for that.
"It's heartbreaking. It's so difficult, you ask for help and no one can give any.
"It's a cruel world", he added.
In other Failsworth community news, also read:
- Canal boating dad says Rochdale is dirtiest and vows 'never again'
- Shirtless man on billboard as Oldham company fights against ban
- The 'iconic' Oldham mansion fit for millionaire has been reduced
On Sunday, April 23, Mr Jeffery said he was delighted to see the club brimming with members from the Failsworth British Legion who were celebrating St George's Day.
The Failsworth British Legion is a local branch of The Royal British Legion, which offers support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces as well as their families, dependents and all others in need.
After the Failsworth branch of the RBL closed in 1978, it was reborn again in February this year and meets every month at the Home Guard.
Paul Wadsworth, the Chairman who worked hard to bring the branch back to life after 45 years, said St George's Day signified the "official bleeding of our new standard" where they gathered at St John's Church before moving onto the club to celebrate.
Photographs show the place was packed.
"It was unbelievable", Mr Jeffery said as he went on to explain how vital the club is to the community and groups such as the Legion.
"Without it, you've got nowhere to go.
"We do everything - Christmas parties, Easter, Halloween - I just try and do my best for people."
The next major event the pair are looking forward to is its Coronation Event on Friday, May 5, where the community and Failsworth RBL will be celebrating King Charles' coronation with a live band, raffle and prizes.
If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here