MEMBERS of a working men's club which won a lengthy battle to buy their clubhouse are facing a race against time to raise the final £20,000.
Trustees of Ward Green WMC, off Mount Vernon Road, have so far raised £125,000 towards the required total of £145,000 - the value of the building as decided by a judge.
But they fear they only have eight weeks to raise the rest before they are given notice to quit. They are offering shares in the club for £50 and have organised several fundraising events.
Russ Smith, entertainment manager, said: "Over the last 20 years, the decline in this industry has hit every village and town in every part of Great Britain. It's about time the small pubs and clubs stood up to the big boys and make a stand and put small pubs and clubs back on the map.
"Every community needs them. It's not just about drinking, it's about friendships."
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated March 27. **
