THE CLOSURE of the Droitwich Legion Inn which was a real hub of the Spa community has been labelled a ‘sad day for the town’.
The venue, which used to be occupied by the Droitwich Spa Royal British Legion, shut on July 4.
It was being run by Cannon Royall Breweries several years ago.
Coun Richard Morris said the closure made it a ‘sad day,’ adding the legion was a good community venue and he hopes someone will be found soon to take it over.
The Legion Inn has been home to various bands and musicians who have performed there over the years.
Founder and musical director of the Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra Ian Hattersley said junior and senior groups had performed and rehearsed at the venue for more than 15 years.
He said: “We had our final rehearsal there last Tuesday, so it’s been really sad for us because the place has been perfect as a concert venue with its good acoustics.
“It’s also got great parking, a nice big room and it’s close to the railway station.
“It’s a shame it couldn’t survive and had to close down.
“We now have to find a new venue.”
Speaking to The Standard yesterday (Thursday) Geoff Walker, a tenor sax player with the Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra, said his group had used the venue for at least ten years.
He said: “It wasn’t an almighty shock to us, I think some people knew it was coming.
“There wasn’t much money spent on it for a long time, but the music did help to bring in the crowds.
“In fact we were meant to play there today but we couldn’t get another venue, so we’re now looking out for other venues.”
A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion told the Standard: “We are sad to hear that the former Royal British Legion club has ceased trading. However, we would like to stress that the Legion Inn was a separate entity to the Droitwich branch of the Royal British Legion.
“The Legion had no responsibility for the management of the club and the closure will not affect the operation of the Droitwich Branch of the Legion and therefore welfare work in the area.”
We tried to contact Cannon Royall Breweries but no-one was available for comment as the Standard went to press.
