London’s oldest weightlifting club where Team GB Paralympian trains faces closure this month

London: An East London weightlifting club, thought to be the oldest in the city, is in danger of closing soon. The Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club (BGWLC) received an eviction notice from the council, giving them until January 31 to vacate.

This non-profit club has a rich history, producing champions who’ve represented Great Britain at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Championships. Sadly, its nearly 100-year legacy is now at risk.

A spokesperson from Tower Hamlets Council acknowledged the club’s significance and expressed a desire to support it. Head Coach Martin Bass has been urging the council to discuss the eviction and find a solution.

Martin traced the club’s roots back to 1926, although he suspects it may have started even earlier. Originally located on Old Bethnal Green Road, it moved to its current spot on Turin Street in 1948. Recently, club members marched to Brick Lane, gathering signatures to save their beloved venue.

The petition asks the council to recognize the club’s social impact and secure its future as a community asset. MyLondon is also advocating for the council to reconsider its decision or find an alternative space to keep the club alive.

Member Eleanor Smith, who was training during a recent visit, described the club as a lifeline. She shared how supportive the environment is, making it a unique place to lift weights and connect with friends.

Taras Lyntovski and his wife, Yana, joined BGWLC after fleeing Ukraine in 2022. Yana is a top powerlifter, and their son is also a member. Taras praised the club for helping them feel at home during a tough time.

Barnie Skinner, who moved to East London just to train at the club, sees it as more than just a gym. He loves the community vibe, where everyone knows each other and supports one another.

Ali Jawad, a British Paralympian, is worried about his training if the club closes. He emphasized the club’s importance in nurturing athletes and its unique facilities that commercial gyms lack.

Reece Smith, a long-time member, expressed heartbreak over the potential closure. He noted how much effort Martin and others have put into the club, and many members would be lost without it.

Even the youngest members, like 14-year-old Jane, feel the warmth of the club. She shared how welcoming everyone is and how sad it is that the council wants to shut it down.

Sid Rahman, a member for over 30 years, highlighted the club’s legacy of champions and the community it has built over the years. He hopes it won’t be lost.

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council reiterated their commitment to working with the club to find a positive resolution. They’ve reached out to offer a meeting with senior officers to discuss the next steps.

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