THE last Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Association club is set to close its doors for the final time this spring.
Based in Barnard Castle, the club which was established in the early 1960s has been in decline in recent years.
Its committee has decided not to renew its lease on the premises in Horsemarket when it expires at the end of April.
Treasurer Eddie Tinkler said: “It is going to leave a hole in a lot of lives. It is certainly going to be a change. Unfortunately there were not enough customers and expenses have just been so high.
“At its height in the 70s and 80s there was a couple of dozen DLI clubs. As far as I am aware the Barnard Castle one is the last to go.”
Although the club has about 250 members, only about 100 were regulars at the club, Mr Tinkler said.
The treasurer added that young people were not being attracted to the club.
He said: “We made a small loss last year and a slight profit this year, so rather than signing up to a long-term lease that we would default on we decided to close. We should have enough to cover any liabilities we have. We will go down with flags flying, not at half mast.”
In a letter to members, the club committee said: “We have been unable to negotiate terms and conditions which would allow the club to continue on a sound financial basis and, rather than continue until the club becomes insolvent, we have decided that the club should close when the lease expires at the end of April.
“We feel the club should close by design with dignity and no debts, rather than by accident.
“To allow time for the premises to be cleared the last opening night will be Sunday, April 22.”
Mr Tinkler said the club’s successful quiz night, organised by member Andrew Nicholson, may well continue at a new venue.
Over the past four years the quiz has raised more than £6,000 for the club’s chosen charities – Great North Air Ambulance Service, The Clique, Marie Curie and the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association.
Memorabilia from the DLI Club may also find a new home at mirco-pub Firkin Alley, also on Horsemarket, which has offered to dedicate a wall to the DLI.
Tables, chairs, optics, a glass washer and an under-counter bottle fridge are among the many items that are now up for sale from the DLI Club.
Anyone interested contact the club on email [email protected].
