Ballymena United Sports and Social Club has been saved from closure!
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Ballymena United Sports and Social Club: wiped out its £39,000 tax debt.
The club looked doomed after being handed a tax bill last year for over £39,000!
But this week Guardian Sport can reveal the bill has been paid - and it is back to business as usual at the Showgrounds based club.
Guardian Sport is aware that a handful of members, who wish to remain anonymous, were responsible for raising the most of the funds, with the other members raising £9,000.
Despite the debt being paid those in charge of the Social Club are being cautious about the future.
“In the light of competition from many other clubs and organisations we will be re-assessing the situation as we plan our way forward," said Social Club Chairman, Sloan Gibson.
Mr. Sloan proudly points out that the Social Club is open for business most evenings, and all day Friday and Saturday.
There is limited opening on Sundays, depending on what English Premiership game or games are being screened.
“There is a perception around town that the Social Club has closed," Mr. Gibson told Guardian Sport. "Nothing could be further from the truth.
We are open and available for wedding and birthday parties (21 years and over). The main hall can accommodate up to 300 people, while the members room can cater for up to 60 people."
The Chairman pointed out that they are now on the lookout for new members!
Membership places, costing just £20 for a year, are now available - and he urges as many people as possible to join the Social Club ranks, to help keep it afloat.
Meanwhile, the Social Club is the venue for the annual three-week Festival of Pool, which is currently underway.
* It was back in June last year that Guardian Sport revealed that the Social Club was in difficulties - facing closure after the tax bill demand.
There was major concern that the door of the club would close for the last time after over 40 years in existence.
The money was owned to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
An Extra-Ordinary AGM was held on June 4 and the appeal was launched to save the Social Club.
Club problems were outlined - ranging from dwindling match day turnover to the ever increasing overheads i.e utilities, rates, insurance, price of stock and the increase in Vat to 20%.
On top of this Social Club membership has dwindled - from 500/600 10 years ago to 130 in the present day.
Thanks to the paying of the tax bill they now have the opportunity to kick-off 2012 in a much happier situation.
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