Boddan Lodge Over 60's Club, based at Monton Green, has existed for over fifty years, providing activities six days a week for over one hundred of its elderly members.
Activities include bowls, snooker, keep fit, line and sequence dancing, cards, trips out and more but the Club is now under threat, as Salford City Council wants to axe its grant to effectively save around £14,000 which would see the Club close down.
The Council leases the building and bowling green from the next door Monton Unitarian Church and its £18,000 grant covers the rent, repairs and utilities. The Over 60s Club pays the Council over £4,000 in rent from membership fees. But now the so-called 'age-friendly' Council, which is spending £19million on the RHS Garden in Worsley, wants the Club to cover the full costs of its operation.
The Club has a lease until December 2019 but the Council will make the decision on whether to axe the grant in September. On Wednesday 17th July at 9am, members and their supporters will protest outside Salford Civic Centre in Swinton before the full meeting of Salford City Council.
They will also be showcasing activities the Club runs, so expect bowls and dancing on the Civic Centre lawn, as well as placards and chanting.
"This Club needs to stay open because it really is a lifeline for so many people who would become so isolated and so lonely, and then depressed" explains Roy Zammit, Club Chair "In essence we would be saving the Council a lot of money by keeping this Club open because of social services costs that would ensue if the Club closes. We want everyone who can possibly get there to please come and support us."
At the Council meeting, a petition to Save Boddan Lodge containing over 2,000 signatures* will be presented to the Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, who has a 'discretionary fund' of over £1million at his disposal (see here).
Representatives will also be asking the Mayor, "What are Salford City Council going to do to ensure Boddan Lodge Over 60's Club Monton Green, can continue to serve the older people of Salford and to make positive contributions to their health, wellbeing and social support networks?"
A recent report titled Building An Age Friendly Salford 2018-2020 stated "Salford is an AFC (Age Friendly City) and Salford City Council working with older residents and other key local organisations is now committed to making this a reality.
"Making cities and communities age friendly is one of the most effective local policy approaches for responding to demographic ageing" it added "Older people are net contributors to the economy and cities who take an Age Friendly approach can benefit from the contribution of older people locally." (see here)
The proof of Salford Council's commitment to the city's elderly will be tested over the coming months.
"This club was a lifeline to me when my wife died" says Eddie Christian, Boddan Lodge Club member "It literally save my life..."
Save Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club Protest
Wednesday 17th July 9am
Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton
The club is asking as many people as possible to support the protest as many of its members are elderly and won't be able to attend.
* To sign the petition to Save Boddan Lodge click here
The Club is always looking for new members to get in touch call 0161 460 0887 or see the Facebook page Boddan Lodge click here
To see the Save Boddan Lodge at Monton Green Facebook page click here
For a full background see previous Salford Star article click here
Update: 16th July - Salford Council's £53million Loan Interest Payments as Boddan Lodge Faces Axe For £15,000 - click here
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