Major restoration work is underway at the Royal British Legion social club in Whitstable, with its chairman insisting the club will re-open for business.
It follows a devastating fire at the Grade II-listed building in Oxford Street in August which saw five fire engines race to the scene in the early hours.
But following an investigation, Kent Fire and Rescue Service says it has not been able to determine the cause of the blaze which caused significant damage.
Chairman Rob Gebbit has warned the repairs are “not straightforward” and may take some time, due to the building being listed.
But he adds that insurers have agreed to accept liability for the rebuild costs.
The fire and closure of the long-standing club caused sadness across the town and brought messages of sympathy from other Royal British Legion branches.
Various clubs and pubs offered members their venues to drink in and Whitstable Labour Club said they could visit without paying a fee, while the Smack Inn said they would get a 10% discount.
Writing on social media, Mr Gebbit paid tribute to club steward Steve Tracey and his wife, Michele whose lives, he says, have been “turned upside down” since the fire.
“Not only has Steve found himself unemployed but all the five years of rebuilding the club from nothing, has been destroyed,” he said.
“Also, please give some thought to the other staff, who have also lost their jobs.
But he signs off with a reassuring “we will be back”.
The chairman’s Facebook update has been welcomed by members and users.
“Good news,” says Kerry Quaif. “It will be good to get the club open again, let’s hope it doesn’t take too long.”
“Excellent progress,” says Ayham Betez, adding: “Hope to see Steve and the rest of the great crew behind the bar once again, especially after the hardship this has caused.”
“Steve is a total legend the way he turned that place around,” says Geoff Stephens. “Always enjoyed my gigs at the club and I can’t wait to get back in there singing again.”
The club’s fortunes have been revived in recent years by the current management, transforming it into a popular venue which is widely praised by users.
It followed a period of uncertainty in 2019 when the venue faced closure until Steve Tracey took it on and set about making it viable with a better “community feel”.
Now the venue is also the meeting place for the town’s branches of the Royal Air Force Association and Royal Naval Association.
Mr Tracey’s efforts were rewarded with an accolade by the Royal British Legion in its reward and recognition scheme launched during the charity’s centenary in 2021.
Scaffolding now covers the front of the building as contractors get to grip with the extensive restoration.
