ONE of south Hampshire’s oldest social clubs could be derailed forever if members continue to ignore pleas to help get it back on track.

The few remaining members of the Locomotive Engineers Club and Institute in Eastleigh have been warned that they could lose it altogether if they don’t make more use of its facilities.

Their appeal comes just weeks after the town’s historic Comrades Club was forced to shut its doors and go into liquidation because of a fall in trade and r a p i d l y - m o u n t i n g mounting debts.

In a bid to avoid the Locomotive meeting the same fate, the committee of the club, which first opened its doors in 1919, has organised a programme of events and entertainment to boost numbers.

The club’s fortunes began to turn sour with the credit crunch forcing people to tighten their belts, coupled with competition from nearby pubs and clubs.

Despite having more than 400 members, the club, at Station Hill, has been running at a loss and, although things have started to pick up, its future is far from guaranteed.

So club secretary, Peter Vernon, and his team have organised a host of new events, including Sunday night bingo and a new skittles nights and live music to get the place full again.

Peter, who has been a member for 35 years, said: “The recession really hit us hard because members couldn’t afford to come out and, instead, they learnt how to stay in and amuse themselves without spending too much money.

“Now it’s our job to coax our members and, hopefully, some new recruits, back out to enjoy what we have to offer at the club, because if they do not use us, they will lose us.

“We have had to adapt to ensure our future, bringing in new entertainment, and it’s important that we get the backing from the community.

“It would be a great shame to see the club close because we offer something different to pubs and clubs. You can bring your family here and, socially, it’s a great place to be. There is a real community feel that you don’t get in pubs.”

If you would like to become a member or find out more, telephone 023 8061 2212.