Help Save The Carlton Club In Whalley Range From Eviction!

Carlton Board is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

SAVE THE CLUB - PRESERVE A HISTORIC LANDMARK - PROTECT GREEN SPACE - SUPPORT COMMUNITY WELL-BEING.

Calling all our members, visitors, promoters, performers and patrons - please use your voice and share... it's power in numbers and we must fight this together!

THE CLUB HAS BEEN SERVED AN EVICTION NOTICE?

Yes! For 111 years, Rowan Lodge has been the home of the Carlton Club providing a safe, welcoming environment for the local people of Whalley Range to gather, listen to music, dance, engage in social & well-being activities and foster life-long friendships. Despite this, The Building Company that owns the building has served us an eviction notice, stating they want to run their own business from the premises. effective from September 2024 - To be assured it is business as usual, The Club remains open, our legal challenge is underway so we are protected for at least a 12 month period.

WHAT IS THE BUILDING COMPANY?

The Building Company (Carlton Social Bowling Club Building Ltd) is the owner of Rowan Lodge and the grounds. The Club (Carlton Social and Bowling Club C.I.C) are the operating entity, delivering the Members Club from the building and grounds. It’s been this way since 1913. The Building Company exists to enable the club to operate.

WHAT DOES THE CARLTON CLUB DO?

The Carlton Club is a Community Interest Company (C.I.C) welcoming tens of thousands of people to the venue with social interaction, personal development and well-being at its core. We host 100s of diverse multi-generational events, many of which are totally free! Gardening, Yoga & Pilates, Capoeira, Backgammon, Bingo, Quizzes, Record Fairs, Poetry, Screenings, Rummage In The Range, Pride On The Range, Silence Of The Jams - Silent Disco, Writing, Book & Drawing Clubs, Harry's Bike Repair and famed music nights with world renowned musicians and promoters across Blues, Disco, Jazz, Funk, Electronic and MANY MORE! It’s the beating heart of Whalley Range!

HOW WILL YOU APPEAL THE EVICTION NOTICE?

The Club Board will fight the notice with our solicitors. We believe the proposed eviction is legally contestable with a complete disregard for the importance of a valued community asset of irreplaceable social value. The costs of which will be substantial. Our appeal is centred on 3 points:

1. RECONSIDER – halt any proceedings related to the eviction and engage in an open dialogue with club representatives to explore mutually beneficial solutions

2. PRESERVE OUR HERITAGE & NATURE - Recognise the historical, cultural and environmental significance of The Carlton Club and its vital role in creating an inclusive and sustainable green future for Whalley Range.

3. SUPPORT COMMUNITY INTERESTS – Act in the best interest of the community by allowing Carlton Social and Bowling Club CIC to continue operating from Rowan Lodge.

WHAT WILL THE FUNDRAISING BE USED FOR?

Legal fees could reach up to £200k! Our target is to raise £50,000 to cover professional fees to fight the notice and delay or completely reconsider the proceedings. If we win, any remaining funds will be redirected to The Club to help with ongoing costs.

THE CLUB LOOKS BUSY! CAN’T YOU AFFORD TO PAY THE LEGAL FEES?

On the brink of survival after covid we’ve managed to manoeuvre ourselves into a more secure financial position going from strength to strength, but simply the overheads attached to safely maintaining a 100+ year old building of this size with our amazing team of 20+ employees are enormous! Since 2019 over £100k has been invested directly back into the club for essential structural, fire safety and operational improvements.