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Gay club Blues becomes church community hub

Tom Rowley
14/ 2/2007

A FORMER gay bar is being converted into a very different kind of venue.

The Good News Gospel Community Church is refurbishing the ex-Blues Bar on Stamford Street, Ashton, into the Rainbow community centre.

"It's a case of gay bar turns Gospel!" joked pastor Michael Whittle. "We'd like the building to be used by the whole community such as mums and tots groups and for arts and crafts and computer studies.

"We'd also like to include a cafe and use the building for drama, theatre, dance and concerts.

"We need plenty of help putting the building back into shape because a lot of the inside has been smashed up, as it was thought it was going to be demolished. Offenders who are doing community service under supervision are painting, cleaning and generally helping out, as are church volunteers who are painting and decorating.

"But a lot of work still needs to be done and we're appealing for anyone who can help to get in touch."

He added that the idea for the community facility really took off when Steven Bardsley, of Rothwells' estate agents, was walking past the Nazarene Church on Stamford Street when a church fundraising event was being held one afternoon.

"We got chatting and he mentioned this building, which he has let us have for a peppercorn rent. We'd like to thank him for his kind support in helping us get started." The church has also opened the Amazing Little Charity Shop nearby, which sells clothes and bric-a-brac to help the poor in Tameside and overseas.

"There's a project we are helping with in Africa to build a school and an orphanage and help villagers buy chickens and goats so they can become self-sufficient and give them hope for the future," said Pastor Whittle.

Anyone who would like to help him with the refurbishment can ring 07801 659392.