Lavenham fund-raiser seeks donations for sponsored cycle ride to help struggling Royal British Legion club

A gruelling endurance challenge aims to raise vital funds for a long-standing community asset, amid the financial pressure from rising costs.

Becky Croucher is preparing for a sponsored indoor cycle ride at Lavenham Royal British Legion (RBL) Club – a fixture of the village since 1928 – on Saturday, October 26.

Taking place continuously over eight hours, the challenge will seek contributions to support the facility’s ongoing running costs.

An online donations appeal has also begun, with over £400 raised so far.

Becky said she had been connected with Lavenham RBL from a young age, and wanted to ensure it did not go the way of many other RBL branches that have shut over recent years.

“I’ve been going to the club since I was six or seven years old,” she told Suffolk News. “My dad has been a member there since I can remember.

“We used to go to the Christmas and new year’s parties – it was a yearly tradition. The club puts on so many events. I think it’s a massive benefit to the community.

“You haven’t got to be a member to use it. It’s all very welcoming, and everyone there is really friendly.”

Jo Cleverley, bar manager at the Lavenham RBL Club, explained that the increased costs of running the venue, including soaring utility bills, had taken their toll.

“We’re struggling at the moment,” she said. “We’re all trying to chip in to help keep it running.

“It’s a well-loved club. It has been open for a long time, and families have been brought up using it. We just need a bit more community support.

“Some days, it’s very busy, and some days, it’s very quiet. The RBL Club is in an awkward position, because it’s tucked away, but we want people to know that everyone is welcome, not just members.

“Any funds that we can raise will help us.”

In the lead-up to the fundraiser, Becky has been gradually building up time on her static bike – but she admitted that going for eight hours would be completely new territory.

She hopes to see lots of people go along to the RBL Club on the day, adding that she is delighted with the support she has received so far.

To donate to the cause, go online to www.gofundme.com/f/please-donate-to-help-keep-our-club-open.

“It’s going very well,” Becky said. “I’m surprised at how many people have already donated.

“The more we can raise, the better. I’m just grateful for people donating.”