BUSINESSES are rallying round to help save a popular Alderley Edge luncheon club from closing.

The club has been serving older people a two-course meal every Tuesday and Thursday during school term time since 1964.

Royal Voluntary Service volunteers cook and serve the meals at Alderley Edge Methodist Church to the 26 members, who range in age from 62 to 94.

The club serves an important social function for its members, the majority of who live alone, but could close in October.

The local council has paid the club’s rent at the church since 1964, but club president Anne Bale has been told by Cheshire East Council it could not continue to fund non-statutory activities.

Funding support was due to end on March 31, but the council has agreed to continue to pay the rent until the end of September to allow the club time to explore other options.

The annual cost of running the club is £4,500, and the cost of a lunch has been increased from £3 to £4 to help offset the proposed loss of council funding.

However that would still leave a £3,000 shortfall, and the club aims to seek support and sponsorship from local organisations and businesses and to apply for grants with the help of the Royal Voluntary Service.

After hearing of the closure threat businesses have offered their support.

The Bubble Room Bar and Restaurant will donate 50p from every Baby Pink Martini sold during February to the club, and Grantham’s Fine Food and Wine and Alderley Edge Sports and Social Club have nominated the club as one of their charity partners.

“We enable elderly people, most of who live alone, to socialise over a nutritious meal in a safe and supportive environment,” said Anne.

“For £4 members get a two-course set meal with waitress service, often with ’seconds’ like at home.

“The volunteers also pass on important information such as tips to prevent our members being scammed, or invitations to special events for older people.

“The club serves an important social function, and I’ve seen a real change in people who have started coming.

“They enjoy each other’s company, and I hope to keep the club going.”

Bubble Room general manager Emma Mason said: “After hearing about the club losing its funding we knew straight away we wanted to help.

“It’s a fantastic local resource, and it would be such a shame to lose it. Hopefully with our help and involvement from the community we can help keep it going.”

Anne thanked the businesses and councillor Craig Browne and Alderley Edge Parish Council for their support, and for details about the club or to book a meal call her on 01625 582514.