ONE of Swindon’s oldest sports and social clubs is urgently appealing for new members in a bid to survive.

The Cycle Club in Dixon Street first opened in Eastcott in 1896 as a watering hole for a group of keen cyclists.

Today it has lost its link with the sport, and has become a family social club with attractions including darts, pool, skittles, bingo, discos and live music.

Secretary Mick Lewis, 73, said the club had about 150 members this year, down from about 200 last year, and that he needed more people to pay the £5 annual joining cost to ensure it stayed financially viable in the face of declining attendance and rising running costs.

Mick, of Broadgreen, who has been a member for about six years, added: “What I’m asking for is for people to come and join the Cycle Club and enjoy themselves.

“It’s quite important. If they use the club we can keep the club open for people to enjoy themselves – at a reasonable price too.

“We’re just keeping our heads above water at the moment.

“But obviously costs are going to increase,and if things don’t improve, then we would have to look at closing it. We don’t want to do that.”

On Saturday, there was a bring and buy sale which the committee hoped would introduce more people to the club, and act as an example of their fighting spirit to stay open.

Joan Wise, the club’s treasurer, said: “We want to keep this club open. There are people who have been coming here for more than 40 years – it’s part of Swindon’s history.

“We would love to see some new faces here. This place is right in the centre of a community, and is available for anyone to use”.

The Cycle Club building is also available to hire for community projects, meetings, clubs, and parties.

Joan, of Stratton, who has been a member for 16 years, said: “The Cycle Club could be used as a kind of village hall for this area, it’s what this community needs”.

Anyone aged 18 or over who is interested in joining the club or renting it out can call Mick on 07786 809335.