A RACE against time has begun to find members of a Royal British Legion Club in the hope of saving it.

The Boscombe club faces liquidation after running into financial difficulties.

It faces a bill of around £70,000 after an employment tribunal found a bar steward had been unfairly dismissed.

Insolvency specialist the Mark Liddle Partnership believes the club can be saved by selling its building in Ashley Road and leasing it back from the new owner.

But the rescue plan would require 75 per cent of members to attend a meeting and vote in favour.

Club chairman Dennis Gillard fears this Sunday could be the last time he lays a wreath at Bournemouth’s Remembrance Sunday service on behalf of the Boscombe branch of the Legion.

“Once the club shuts, the branch committee will probably give up,” he said.

A letter from Mark Liddle, pictured inset, to known members says the club is “cashflow insolvent” and unable to pay its debts.

It says the building should be sold to meet the club’s debts and pay a dividend to members. Otherwise the building will be repossessed and there will be nothing for members.

The club is not confident it has addresses for all its 120-plus members.

Gemma Laurent, insolvency manager at the Mark Liddle Partnership, said it was important people replied to the letter that was going out. Any member who does not receive a letter should contact her.

“If they’re pro-active and respond, they’re more likely to get some money back out of it,” she said.

The club has found it difficult to take bookings for functions while its future is uncertain.

Mr Gillard said: “We’ve been struggling for the last couple of months. I didn’t think we’d make it this far.”

He said the club was down to around 15-20 regular members. “It’s one of the only places they use. Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” he added.