‘We need you’: Campaign launched to save longstanding Horsham club

A campaign has been launched to save a longstanding Horsham club from closure.
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The directors of the Holbrook Club have launched a £35,000 fundraiser to secure the site’s future after warning the club ‘will not survive the pandemic’ without donations.

The club has gym, sports and leisure facilities as well as a bar. It also hosts private events.

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Club chairman Simon Charman said: “Despite Government financial support packages, the Holbrook Club is in a position where it may not reopen.

The Holbrook Club. Pic Steve Robards SR1802689 SUS-180127-140307001The Holbrook Club. Pic Steve Robards SR1802689 SUS-180127-140307001
The Holbrook Club. Pic Steve Robards SR1802689 SUS-180127-140307001

“Our main source of income (membership subscriptions) has dropped dramatically since the start of the lock-down.

“In addition, we are suffering from the loss of secondary income from the bar, fitness classes and private events.

“The coronavirus lockdown is very quickly draining club financial reserves.”

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The Holbrook Club is a not-for-profit organisation led by unpaid volunteer directors

When the club first closed it made the decision not to charge subscriptions, according to Simon.

He said this has cost the club £25,000 a month alone.

Simon added: “It didn’t feel right to charge members when the club was closed.”

Donations, which have already topped £6,000, will go towards vital running costs including utility bills, rent and insurance, according to Simon.

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He added: “We are asking you, our friends, our public and our patrons, for your support, so that when this lockdown ends there is actually a club to come back to.

“Any donation you make, no matter how small, could literally keep the club doors open.

“If you have ever enjoyed an event with us, ever visited for a music night or were one of the 400+ people that packed out our bars to watch England football team perform magnificently in the summer of 2018 then we ask for your help now in our time of need.

“If we disappear, part of your community will be lost forever.

“The Holbrook Club needs you.”

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