The campaign to save the local Folk House of the community begins

People in a South Bristol community who run a social club which has been at the heart of the community for nearly 50 years said they had a “very productive meeting” as efforts to save the hub and secure the future starts.

Whitchurch Folk House was created in 1977 as a community building with event space and a bar and social club and has been an important part of life in Whitchurch ever since.

But last month those running the People’s House told members they were “at a crossroads” financially and members had to use it or lose it.

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In April, one of the team running the charity warned members in a message: “Despite all our efforts, we have now reached a critical moment. We need significant and sustained growth in visits – outside of our event nights – to secure our future,” he said. “It’s no longer about weathering a storm; this is about ensuring the survival of Whitchurch People’s House.”

A meeting has been scheduled this week to gather ideas and a Save the People’s House campaign is being organized. The Grade II listed building was the original home of Bridge Farm which gives this part of Whitchurch its name, and is now owned by the town council, which has begun leasing it to the community to operate as a social club, event space and community centre. 47 years ago.

Wednesday’s meeting was “very productive,” said Scott Lovell of the Folk Club team. He is now arranging a major makeover of the club’s interior and its outdoor gardens, which will take place on June 8 and 9, and is appealing for volunteers to get involved.