16/09/2026
We’re sorry we need to write this, but the situation is urgent.
Poor financial results over the last 2 years wiped out most of our club reserves. 2026 is worse. The club is traditionally quiet in the summer. However this year we’ve been quieter, for longer, than ever.
The results are down to one thing: low and reducing bar take. Sue, as Treasurer, has pointed to low bar takings leading to financial losses at every AGM since Covid. It’s not just us. It has been hard, terminal, for pubs, bars and clubs across the country. But it does INCLUDE us.
The position is simple. We have over 270 members. If each one came in once a week and bought two drinks, we’d be in a great position. Right now, about 25 members do that a week. We welcome them all. But it’s not enough.
We need more support to survive. We need your support throughout the year.
We’ve done all we can to control inflationary pressures and day-to-day costs. But staff costs, electricity, gas and water charges just keep going up. Only higher turnover, from higher bar sales, allows us to meet those costs.
The officers and committee of the club wanted you to know our position. With the support of our members, we can continue.
Frankly, we need to see a significant increase in club, and bar, usage over the next 6 weeks.
We have always said “Use it or Lose it”. That time is now.
We need to stop making monthly losses. In both July and August, cost of stock plus staff wages alone exceeded bar take. If our bar take doubles, we come close to break even. Simple as that.
Although we have increased our drink prices for the first time in over a year, we’re still one of the least expensive locally across the range. We just need more members buying those drinks.
Our snooker tables, dart board and gaming machines remain available to all members. We have kept our TNT Sports TV subscription, allowing us to show Saturday 12.30 Premier League fixtures, plus regular Europa and Champions League games weekday evenings.
We try to run events and entertainment for all tastes, and are open to positive and practical suggestions from members. We want to run more regular events, but they need support from members to work.
The club is also available to members for parties, social events and post funeral gatherings, without charge. We have capacity for additional darts, cribbage and snooker teams. We can also host other small groups or clubs.
We’ve been asked by people who can’t come in more regularly if they can support us with a donation. Of course – and thank you. If you’d like to assist with a donation (discretion assured) our bank details are on the bottom of this message, or reply to this email and Sue will contact you directly.
We try to keep in touch with members throughout the year, as cost efficiently as possible, For example in 2026 we’ve sent 9 emails to all emailable members. If you, or friends and family, aren’t getting them can you check in the club if we have your correct email address. Please also check spam folders where messages also get caught – they sometimes need retraining!
We also have a Club website at www.sandgatemc.uk a page at https://www.facebook.com/SandgateMC and WhatsApp group (visit https://chat.whatsapp.com/GN1Veyj25y97OqKx1BY6JN to join). There are many ways to in touch, but the best is coming into the club!
The club belongs to its members. Without their participation and support there will be no long-term future for the club. Over 100 years of tradition will be lost.
We never wanted to have to send this message. But we needed you to know the position and how it can be turned around before it’s too late. We can still do so now. But we haven’t got long.
Yours,
Tim, Sue and Tom
Secretary: Tim Prater
Treasurer: Sue Wyatt
Chairman: Tom Ainsworth
Metro Bank
Name: Sandgate Members Club
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account No: 58150118
