£60k appeal launched in bid to save Morecambe sports and social club

The online appeal has been set up for The Trimpell in Out Moss Lane, which closed last week for urgent safety works.

The club – which is due to celebrate its 70th birthday in October – has asked for help to "ensure there is a future to celebrate".

More than £4,000 has already been raised since the fundraiser was announced.

"Our club means so much to so many people, and we're asking our amazing community to help us secure its future," said a statement on the Trimpell Club Facebook page.

"We've launched a GoFundMe to raise money that will go directly towards improving our club and ensuring we can continue providing a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.

"If you're unable to donate, we'd be incredibly grateful if you could simply share this post to help us reach as many people as possible.

"Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continued support. Together, we can make a huge difference."

The Trimpell is a popular venue for events, including this outdoor boxing show held at the club on Sunday.

A statement from the Trimpell Executive Committee on the fundraising page says: "This October, Trimpell Sports & Social Club should be celebrating 70 years at the heart of our community.

"Instead, we’re asking for your help to ensure there is a future to celebrate.

"For nearly seven decades, Trimpell has been much more than a social club. It has been a place where friendships have been made, children have grown up, families have celebrated and our community has come together.

"Over the years, the club has been home to cricket, rugby, bowls, snooker, dancing groups, junior and adult football, as well as charity events, live music, community festivals and countless family celebrations. Today, it is also home to Billy Akrigg’s gym, supporting people in our community on their fitness journeys.

"Like many community venues, Trimpell has been fighting to recover since Covid. Our volunteer Executive Committee has worked tirelessly, giving up countless hours to keep the club going and doing everything possible to secure its future.

"We have explored every option available, but we are now facing essential electrical, fire safety and remedial works that are simply beyond what the club can fund alone.

"Without these works, we risk losing a place that has been part of Morecambe’s community for almost 70 years.

"We don’t want to let down the generations who built this club, the people who rely on it today, or the children who deserve the chance to create their own memories here in the future.

"Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards the essential works needed to keep Trimpell Sports & Social Club open. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page. Every share could help us reach someone who can.

"Together, we can protect a place that has served our community for nearly 70 years and ensure it remains here for generations to come.

"Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support."

The club closed last Monday after advice from the local authorities.

Their fundraising page is online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-trimpell-sports-social-club-wpjsj

A spokesperson said at the time: ‘’We have been advised that urgent works are required within the club to ensure the safety of our members, customers, staff and visitors.

“The safety of everyone who uses the club is our absolute priority, and the last thing we would ever want to do is put anyone at risk.

“Since receiving this advice, the committee has been working around the clock behind the scenes to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. We are doing everything we can to complete the necessary works and reopen the club at the earliest opportunity.

“We will continue to keep everyone updated as soon as we have further information and a clearer timescale for reopening.

“We understand this news will be disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding and continued support during this difficult time.”