Star date: 17th July 2019

DOZENS OF ELDERS DESCEND ON SALFORD CIVIC CENTRE TO LINE DANCE, PLAY BOWLS AND PROTEST

This morning, dozens of members and supporters of Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club in Monton descended on Salford Civic Centre to lobby councillors wanting to axe its meagre £15,000 subsidy which could see the fifty year old club close.

To showcase their activities, members played bowls on the Council lawn and line danced, while actor and journalist Nigel Pivaro lent support. Inside the meeting, questions were asked about a 'borderline ludicrous' rescue business plan, drawn up by councillors, that expected 80 year olds to set up a self financing business!

Full details here...

"You have to wonder if the fact that the building is in the heart of what is now Monton Village and therefore prime real estate, has anything to do with it?..." Carol Boyce

This morning, golden oldie music blared out across the lawns at Salford Civic Centre as dozens of members and supporters of the threatened Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club in Monton lobbied councillors before the full meeting of Salford City Council.

To showcase their activities, members played bowls on the Civic Centre lawn and line danced complete with cowboy hats. As she was entering the compound, Councillor Sam Bellamy said it was the best use she'd seen for the lawn...

Amongst those lending support was Salfordian actor and journalist Nigel Pivaro, as Club chair Roy Zammit told demonstrators, "Let's keep it going, let's give them hell and get in their faces and show them what we're about."

The Council has indicated that it's planning to cut what amounts to a £15,000 subsidy for the Club but inside the Council meeting, watched by a packed public gallery, Carol Boyce of Saving Our Neighbourhood, representing Boddan Lodge, explained that a business plan, drawn up by Eccles ward councillors, expected members with an average age of 80 to set up a self-financing business...

"It looks to be set up to fail" she said "It's borderline ludicrous..."

Earlier Carol had told councillors that "the research is clear; social isolation can be a killer, but engagement in activities outside the home is good for mind, body and spirit. It helps to keep people out of care, providing a lifeline and mitigating against loneliness and isolation...The cost savings in services exceeds the amount of the Council subsidy. We should call it an investment..."

She then asked: "What are Salford City Council going to do to ensure Boddan Lodge Over 60's Club in Monton Green can continue to serve the older people of Salford and to make positive contributions to their health, wellbeing and social support networks?"

In response, a barely audible Councillor David Lancaster, said that he had not seen the Boddan Lodge business plan (drawn up by his own Labour Party councillors)...

"Boddan Lodge is currently costing £20,000 and we need to look at a system on how we can reduce those costs" he said "The Council has asked for a clear business plan to reduce costs. I believe all efforts should be made to save Boddan Lodge..."

As she was cut off from commenting much further, Carol said "I feel a certain amount of animosity in this room, which is quite interesting since you're all so on board with Boddan Lodge..."

Later she told the Salford Star: "Salford Council showed their true colours again today. An active elders club providing a lifeline to so many is under threat for sake of a subsidy to the tune of approximately £15,000 a year. The cost savings to the Council in the form of social care far exceeds this. So it's short term gain for long term pain.

"Salford City Council have been responsible for external maintenance but it's clear they are letting the building fall into disrepair" she added "You have to wonder if the fact that the building is in the heart of what is now Monton Village and therefore prime real estate, has anything to do with it?

"The Council meeting today was a shambles" she said "Councillor Lancaster, who answered my question, insisted he was yet to see the business plan, as if the Boddan Lodge committee hadn't sent it to him, but it was the Eccles councillors who had written it! 

"He named a figure of £20,000 a year for the Council funding but that isn't in the business plan at all" she explained "The councillors would do well to talk to each other. And, according to the councillors' business plan the Church is willing to negotiate the lease. The Boddan Lodge group is not giving up!"

To sign the petition to Save Boddan Lodge – click here

To follow the Save Boddan Lodge Campaign see the Facebook site – click here

To join Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club call 0161 460 0887 or see the Facebook page Boddan Lodge - click here

For a full background see previous Salford Star articles...

Salford Pensioners Fight To Save Boddan Lodge Over 60s Club – click here

Protest at Salford Civic Centre To Save Boddan Lodge – click here