Ramsbottom's Royal British Legion venue fight to stay open

Those connected with the Central Street hub are calling for support and using the draw of karaoke, live sports and what they say is the "cheapest alcohol in Ramsbottom" to attract visitors.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

Natasha Herity, who works on the committee said: “We’re hoping to spread the word and get bums on seats because if people don’t use it we’re going to lose it."

The committee, as a collective, are working together to encourage a few positive changes to help the venue survive.

One of these changes includes ending the stigma that the club is for a certain age group or gender. 

Public (Image: Public)

The group has said it has struggled with people not realising that all members of the community are welcome.

Natasha said: “The legion does not discriminate against anyone, and we love seeing new faces and welcoming them.

“We have the venue, quality ale, and the cheapest alcohol in Ramsbottom, not to mention the best, and most welcoming people.

“We want to show what people are missing out on as I think many aren’t aware of where we are in Ramsbottom, and it really is a place that feels like home.

"You can make friends for life here no matter your age or gender." 

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

The premises is run by its members and committee and is solely funded by "bums on seats", donations, raffles and fundraising.

The armed forced charity branch aims to give support wherever and whenever it is needed as well as providing entertainment with live sports, bingo, karaoke and drink deals.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

Natasha said: “I think we have a long road to go down if we want to stay open as many legions are closing due to not getting the people in which is a massive shame.

“My grandparents had been going for years.

“My grandad Joe served in the army and was a respected committee member himself before he passed.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

“For many who have lost loved ones like my nan, the legion is a safe place for them to come and socialise with their friends.

“Without the legion, I think many wouldn’t have a venue quite like it to go to.”

A running joke within the group is that if the ‘legion girl band’ hadn’t made a stand and started the conversation then the legion would already be closed.

However, even the "girl band" needs an extra hand to bring in more people in.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

In a push to do this, musician Josh Owens, who is part of the "Hit the Dance Floor" band, will be playing there on Sunday, October 23 at 2pm.

Live sports and bingo will also be taking place on Tuesday and Saturday nights as well as a Christmas party and fete that will be coming up in December.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

Natasha said: “We have a new committee and we’re hoping to work together as a team and make things happen, we also have a venue upstairs available for one-off events and weekly classes if anyone is interested in using it.”

The RBL has been supporting service men and women, ex-serving personnel and their families since 1921.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

Formed on May 15, 1921, the charity aimed to bring together four national organisations of ex-servicemen that had established themselves after the First World War: The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers, The Comrades of The Great War and The Officers' Association.

Customers inside the Royal British Legion (Image: Public)

The charity also had to consider the wives, children, widows, and orphans, as well as the parents who had lost sons in the war, on whom they were often financially dependent.

The RBL was then established to care for those who had suffered because of service during the First World War.

It is now the country’s largest armed forces charity, with around 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities.

From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life the RBL aim to be by people’s side every step of the way.

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