'Heart of the village' to go under hammer

The Delph Club threatened with closure

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A LEGENDARY piece of history at the heart of a village community is to go under the hammer.

Despite valiant efforts and a concerted campaign, the Delph Club will be sold to the highest bidder this month ending a 150-year association with the community.

Last year, in a letter to members and villagers, the club committee warned unless new and additional uses could be found the premises would have to be sold.

The club was a respected venue for community activities, sports and events.

The letter said: "The committee and trustees have tried many ideas over the last few years but have struggled to find a formula which would produce a sustainable performance at or above break-even point."

Oldham and Saddleworth parish councillor Nicola Kirkham, Mike Leighton and Gillian Buckley and others offered to work for free to help keep the club open.

Councillor Kirkham said: "I feel sad about the club closure.

"I think it shows the sign of the times where drinking cultures have changed and it could no longer run as a viable business."

"I remember as a child growing up in Delph, visiting the venue many times, especially at Christmas and new year when community events were held in in the private room upstairs. They were good times," she reflected. "It's the end of an era."

The club in Gartside Street was build as a Reform Club in about 1860 with a community hall, snooker and reading room and was alcohol free.

The Reform movement merged with the Liberal party early in the last century and by about 1970 the building had fallen into disrepair and suffered from dry rot. The old ownership was abandoned as the only source of repairs funding at the time were breweries. A sports-based committee and trustees took over and changed the old covenants so it could be licensed and renamed Delph Club. The guide price for the building is £175,000 and the property, which is split over three floors, has a large function room, two bars, toilet facilities and a small kitchen area.

All inquires should be made to Henry Burbidge on 07929-191 472 or at henryburbidge@gmail.com.

The auction will be held at the club on Thursday, September 29 at 7.30pm.