THE future of a village Conservative Club is in doubt following a drop in membership.
Open for more than 50 years the venue on Kempson Street, Ruddington, had around 700 members in its heyday but there are now only around 250.
Concerned residents have set-up a committee with the aim to inject interest back into the social club.
Elaine Moore, 54, and three other determined committee members have planned a series of family-focused events to encourage the community to use the club again.
She said: "The club was always a busy place up until recently but sadly a lot of members have died or moved away and the younger people don't seem to realise we are here.
"We have been trying to put on different events to gain an interest in the club and remind families that it really is for everyone."
On Thursday, December 12, the club will be hosting a free SOS Charity Fashion Show from 7.30pm. People from the community will be strutting their stuff on the catwalk in end-of-line clothing items from high-end high street brands.
Mrs Moore said: "I will be modelling some clothes on the day and I am feeling a bit nervous, but I'll be fine once I get up there."
Fellow committee member and event organiser Pauline McCaffrey has been a patron of the club for many years.
She said: "The club has been in the village for as long as I can remember and for as long as my mother can remember.
"It used to be called the Coffee Rooms and farmers used to go there for a secret pint while telling their wives they were going for coffee."
She added: "There's not much in the village that is for the whole community as a lot of the pubs have already changed to appeal to a young crowd.
''We are aiming to attract families and people in their mid-30s upwards."
The club will also be hosting a Christmas fair on Sunday between 11am and 5pm with profits being donated to Nottinghamshire Hospice. Highlights include a raffle and tombola, gift and craft stalls and a winter BBQ.
Ruddington Conservative councillor Jean Greenwood said: "It would a shame for the village if we lost another amenity.
"It would be said because we don't want to lose anything in the village."
