Rising costs mean the long-established club will close without urgent funding support
An urgent appeal has been made for funds to help keep Hedon and District Royal British Legion (RBL) Club open. The club, inn Magdalen Gate, has been at the heart of the local community for generations.
“It’s a place where veterans find support, families gather, and we come together to remember those who served,” said Rachel Leason, a long-serving member of staff who has launched a crowdfunding appeal in a bid to keep the place running. Rachel said: “We need about £5,000 in the next four weeks or the club will have to close.
“It’s been struggling for a while. We’re a non-profit business, what we take in, we pay out, but the last few months have hit us hard with the rising National Insurance costs and everything else.
“The bank account is empty.” The club held an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the potential closure and any ideas people had for saving it.
Rachel, who has worked at the RBL for over nine years, said: “People came to the meeting who said they had never been inside the club and showed support with ideas.
The fundraising page only went live at about 11pm on Sunday and there was more than £450 by 7.30pm on Monday. Rachel said it would be devastating for the local community if the club was to close.
“It would have a massive impact,” she said. “It’s not just veterans – and that’s a problem we have had, a lot of people see it as a place for old people to go.
“There’s a whole range of people who come to the club. There are those who come in because they don’t like going into the pubs in Hedon; it’s a bit intimidating for them.
“Here, everyone knows everyone. They can walk in on their own and there will be someone they can sit down and have a conversation with.
“We’re all like one big family. For me this isn’t just a job, it’s a family – I’m always joking about having all these adopted grandparents and aunties and uncles.”
The club is open from Wednesday to Sunday, some days right up to 11pm depending on what is on. The RBL hosts snooker, darts and poker teams, as well as singers at its social club events, plus bingo.
“The social club on Thursday afternoons attracts between 50 and 60 people. All that would go,” said Rachel.
The Crowdfunder appeal page she set up said: “Hedon RBL Club is at risk. Please help us to keep this vital home for veterans, families and our community open.
“The Hedon & District Royal British Legion Club has been at the heart of our community for generations. It’s a place where veterans find support, families gather, and we come together to remember those who served.
“But rising costs now put the club at risk of closure. If we lose it, we lose a vital part of our town’s heritage and a lifeline for many who rely on it for friendship, support, and community spirit.
“Your donation will help cover essential running costs and keep the doors open — ensuring the club can continue to serve veterans, their families, and the people of Hedon for years to come.
“Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. If you can’t give, please share this page to help spread the word. Let’s stand together to save the Hedon & District Royal British Legion Club.”