EARDISTON Country Club, located behind the village hall, is up and running again after fears last year that it might be forced to close due to lack of support.

Formerly known as the Working Men's Club, it first opened in 1948 and in the post-war years it became a busy, popular local venue as a place of entertainment.

Very few village people had cars in those days and the club was often packed out with locals unable to get out and about at weekends.

To encourage a wider membership, particularly women and families, in the mid-seventies the name was changed to a Country Club but, as own transport increased, support began to fall off. Following the closure of yet another local pub, The Tavern at Newnham Bridge, the club has been redecorated and club officials are hoping that it will once again become a popular village venue with facilities for all the family to enjoy.

Members can use the bar on Wednesday and Fridays and facilities include a skittle alley and pool table. To launch the refurbished venue, an evening with 60s and 70s style music featuring Dave Luke and Tommy Mills, was held at the club from 7.30pm until midnight on Saturday

Tickets for functions are available direct from the club steward Brian Baldwin.