Castle street social club - new

01/04/2026

Message from the Chairman
Date: 01 April 2026

Dear Members,

I feel it is important to provide an update and communicate openly in order to reduce the speculation and rumours that are circulating.

Discussions remain ongoing with the electricity supplier regarding the outstanding debt. At present, they are requesting full payment of the balance, along with reconnection and administrative charges, and are not currently open to negotiation. As a result, the process is taking longer than we had hoped while we continue to explore every possible solution.

A number of members have asked about the potential sale of the club and what this might mean financially. I want to be clear that some of the figures being mentioned regarding large returns and gains per share are greatly exaggerated and not in the least accurate. Once all outstanding debts are settled and the relevant organisations, including the CIU, take their required percentage, the return per share would likely be significantly lower and potentially under £200, even if a strong sale price were achieved. This has been looked at by accountants and solicitors- so talk of over £5k per person is grossly inaccurate.

There have also been a number of positive approaches from individuals and outside groups who have expressed a willingness to help the club, work with myself and the President to help us move forward. Some potential investors have offered short-term financial support to help reopen and begin trading again, although these offers come with certain conditions regarding future governance arrangements, involvement, and certain committee members standing down. In addition, other organisations have offered their support and expertise in an effort to help the club become operational again.

At the same time, there are several administrative matters that still need to be addressed, including updating bank mandates. Discussions are also continuing around possible financial options such as loans or a remortgage, which may help support the club’s future.

Once there are clear and workable proposals in place, a properly convened members’ meeting will be arranged. This will allow everyone to review the facts, discuss the options openly, and vote on the direction members wish the club to take. At this stage, however, no final decisions or guaranteed arrangements are in place.

My priority remains the same: to work towards stability, unity among members, and a sustainable future for the club, with the aim of seeing it reopen and succeed once again.

Yours faithfully,
Paul Glover
Chairman
Castle Street Club

21/02/2026

Message from the Chairman
Date: 21 Feb 26

Dear Members,

Further to my previous statements, I wish to clarify the situation and set out some of the facts.

I strongly object to being personally blamed for the club’s current financial position. I am a member like all of you, a pool team captain, and have sought both accountant and legal advice in fulfilling my responsibilities. I have one vote, which alone cannot change the culture or address historical challenges, systems, or ways of doing things.

I have had no direct involvement in day-to-day finances, which are managed according to established procedures with responsibilities clearly divided among officers. Committee members and staff voluntarily undertake multiple roles to ensure the club operates effectively.

The club is a democratic institution under CIU rules. All major decisions, including borrowing, require approval at a properly convened members’ meeting. The current governance structure, including the removal of trustees and committee composition, reflects decisions made by the membership. Responsibility for the club’s position cannot be attributed solely to me, I was just the spokesperson.

I have acted in good faith at all times, within my authority, and in support of the collective decisions of the committee and membership. I also fully support strong financial oversight and the continued involvement of the accountants to provide clear, independent reporting.

In the spirit of transparency, Sarah has indicated she is willing to step down as Secretary if the membership requests, but it should be noted that she only took on the role in December to assist the club after the previous Secretary left.

If the membership decides they no longer wish me to serve as Chairman, I will respectfully offer my resignation and step aside in the best interests of the club.

The way forward is a properly convened meeting where members can review the facts, discuss, and vote on the future direction of the club. My focus remains on stability, unity, and the long-term success of the club.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Glover
Chairman
Castle Street Club

20/02/2026

Club Update – Temporary Closure and Reset

Following careful consideration and consultation, the club will close on Monday, with the clear intention that this will be temporary measure for a period.

This decision has not been taken lightly. I have met with Bill (President), sought legal advice, and carefully considered the guidance provided by our accountants, alongside the views expressed by members at our recent meeting. Having weighed all of this, we will now follow the appropriate and responsible process.

During the period of closure, Paul (Chairman), Sarah (Secretary), and Bill (President) will be meeting with the bank to explore options for refinancing. The aim is to secure funding to address outstanding debts and to invest in the future of the club—refreshing and redecorating the premises, improving toilet facilities, modernising the décor, and creating a sustainable footing for the years ahead.

As a result, there will be no meeting tomorrow.

This pause represents a necessary reset. It is an opportunity to reinvent the club with renewed energy, fresh leadership, and a strengthened committee. Going forward, all financial matters will be managed directly by the accountants to ensure transparency, discipline, and proper oversight.

While this situation is disappointing, it is the correct and responsible course of action. The recent profit and loss position was not acceptable, and margins were simply too tight to continue without fundamental change. This reset is about putting clear structures in place—where roles are accountable, answerable, and responsible—so the club can operate properly and confidently again.

Anyone who wishes to be involved in shaping the future of the club or joining the new committee is invited to contact me directly on 07921 239527.

Thank you to everyone for your patience, understanding, and continued commitment. This is about safeguarding the club’s future and ensuring it is handed forward in a stronger position than it stands today.

Paul Glover
Chairman
20th Feb 2026

03/02/2026

Good evening.

PLEASE NOTE THE BELOW.

IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND. PLEASE CAN YOU SHARE THIS WITH AS MANY MEMBERS AS POSSIBLE.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THEN.

MANY THANKS

CASTLE STREET COMMITTEE

26/01/2026

Good evening. Due to no Crib Teams playing at home on Thursday 29th January 2026, please note that the club will NOT be open. We thank you for your understanding

22/01/2026

Don’t forget that we have live entertainment this Saturday night, 24 January. We look forward to seeing you then for an amazing night. 😄🎶🎤😄

16/01/2026

10/01/2026

Good morning everyone. Happy Saturday 🥰

07/01/2026

Entertainment for the evening of Saturday 14th March will be 'Little Joe'. We look forward to seeing you all there for a sing-along to classics from 1950s to 2020s 😃

06/01/2026

Alto Duo will be performing at the Club on Saturday 14th February 2026. Look forward to seeing you all there 😀

06/01/2026

Don't forget that we have Eve n Song playing at the Club on Saturday 24 January. Look forward to seeing you there 😄