23/06/2026
With all the stories and rumours surrounding the future of the club, I feel itās time to say a few words.
Itās incredibly hard for me to accept that this could be the end of an era, and a lot sooner than any of us ever anticipated.
This club has never just been bricks and mortarāit has been a second home for generations of local families, a place where lifelong friendships were made, milestones were celebrated and the community came together.
The club has served as a cornerstone of the East London working-class community for decades. The Ford Dagenham plant grew to employ over 40,000 workers by the 1950s, and the club became a key social anchor for thousands of blue-collar workers and union members living on the Becontree Estate. It was affiliated with the Working Menās Club & Institute Union (CIU).
Knowing what this club had meant to generations before me made me realise it was worth fighting for.
Twelve years ago, I was approached by the President, Eddie Roast, and asked if I would come on board. At the time, the club was on the verge of closing. I had absolutely no experience in hospitality. I didnāt know how to pull a pint, let alone run a business. But Eddie saw something in me. He believed in me when I had very little belief in myself, but I knew this club was worth fighting for. Looking back now, Iām incredibly grateful that he gave me that opportunity, because it became one of the biggest chapters of my life.
Over the last 12 years, Iāve experienced some incredible highs and some very difficult lows. I can honestly say I gave this place everything I had. When COVID hit, the pressure was immense. Like so many businesses, we were fighting for survival every single day. The stress eventually took its toll, and I suffered a heart attack which led to major open-heart surgery.
Despite everything, I donāt regret giving it my all.
With my dad, our staff, volunteers and so many wonderful people around us, we completely transformed the club into somewhere the community could be proud of. Weāve hosted countless weddings, birthday parties, christenings, celebrations and charity events. Seeing families create memories here has always made every hard day worthwhile.
Iād also like to pay tribute to Nicola and her daughter, Amber, whose dedication to the community has been nothing short of incredible. The free childrenās parties, charity events and fun days they have organised have brought so much happiness to so many local families. Supporting people like them is exactly what made all the hard work worthwhile.
A few years ago, due to increasing financial pressures, we were left with no option but to sell the property simply to keep the club alive. Thankfully, the council allowed us to lease it back for three years, giving us a chance to continue serving the community. We worked tirelessly alongside our local councillors, especially Margaret Mullane, who is now our MP, to make that happen.
Unfortunately, times have changed. Peopleās habits have changed. Footfall has fallen, income has reduced, and the costs of running a club like this continue to rise every single week.
There has been a lot of discussion about the possibility of a peppercorn rent, but I want people to understand that the rent is only one part of the picture. We still face enormous running costs, utilities, maintenance, insurance, staffing and everything else that comes with keeping these doors open.
The reality is simple. Without people using the club, no amount of goodwill can keep it going forever.
If the community gets behind us and starts supporting the club again, then I genuinely believe we still have a chance to keep this place going for another year or two. But if that support doesnāt come very soon, it breaks my heart to say that we have no option but to close our doors.
Whatever happens next, I can honestly stand here and say that I gave this club absolutely everything I had. I poured my heart and soul into it, and I will always be proud of what we achieved together.
Finally, I want to thank the people who have stood beside me through every high and every low.
To my amazing wife, thank you. Youāve been my rock through some of the hardest years of our lives. Youāve stood by me through the long days, the sleepless nights, the uncertainty, my heart attack, my open-heart surgery, and every challenge that came after. I know this journey hasnāt just been mineāit has been yours too. Thank you for believing in me when I struggled to believe in myself. I couldnāt have done any of it without your love, your strength and your unwavering support.
To my three incredible children, thank you for giving me the reason to keep fighting every single day. Everything Iāve done has always been with you in mind. You are my greatest achievement, my biggest motivation, and the reason I never gave up, even when times were at their darkest. You have shaped me into the man I am today, and nothing will ever make me prouder than being your dad.
To everyone who has ever walked through our doors, hired a room, celebrated a special occasion here, supported a charity event, volunteered their time, or simply called this club their homeāthank you. You have all become part of its history, and I will treasure the memories and friendships weāve shared for the rest of my life.
Whether this is the end or just another chapter, I will walk away with my head held high, knowing that I gave this club absolutely everything I had. I leave with no regrets, only pride in what we achieved together and gratitude for every single person who shared the journey.
Thank you for believing in this club, thank you for believing in me, and thank you for allowing me the privilege of being part of its history.
No matter what happens next, Dagenham Trades Hall will always hold a special place not in just mine but in all our hearts.
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.
Mark
