A historic east London weightlifting gym is facing imminent closure after nearly 100 years of operation, following the receipt of an eviction notice from the local council. The Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, which has been recognized as one of the oldest gyms in London, opened its doors to the community back in 1926.
The weightlifting club has called the premises on Bethnal Green Road its home since 1948, but now must vacate by January 31 after receiving the eviction notice served last July. The club runs as a non-profit organization, dedicated to serving the community and nurturing both local talent and international powerlifters.
On Sunday, club members took to the streets, marching from the gym to Brick Lane to gather signatures for their petition aimed at persuading the Tower Hamlets council to reverse the eviction decision. During the march, head coach Martin Bass expressed disbelief, stating the eviction notice was unexpected and “makes no sense.” He emphasized the gym’s importance, saying, “It serves the community. We've got all fashions of society - gender, race... old Cockneys - whatever.”
Charlotte Macaulay, who participated in the march, shared her personal transformation since joining the club. After battling Guillain-Barré syndrome, Macaulay credited the gym with helping her regain strength and confidence, enabling her to lift 150kg. "It definitely helped me get my muscle mass back and also mentally as well to feel like I was actually doing something to help myself," she said. Her experience underlines how the gym fosters not only physical strength but also emotional resilience.
Another voice among the demonstrators was Yana Lyntovskyi, who fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion. She described the gym as her “second home,” and her husband, Taras Lyntovskyi, echoed her sentiment, warning against the ease of destruction compared to the challenge of rebuilding. “It’s very easy to destroy something - we understand it because we're from Ukraine - but trying to build something that's the same, it's not possible,” he noted poignantly.
Ali Jawad, the British Paralympic powerlifter and silver medalist from the 2016 Paralympics, referred to the club as “not just a gym, it's a community.” He expressed his concerns about the consequences of the club’s closure, highlighting its role as more than just a weightlifting facility. The overwhelming sentiment among members conveys the gravity of the situation: the potential closure would take away more than just a place to lift weights.
Martin Bass, coaching the club for approximately 50 years, lamented the lack of communication from the council. "They know who we are, they’ve got our phone numbers, why didn’t they just talk to us?" he questioned during his public statements. A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council acknowledged the value of the weightlifting club to the community, expressing their intention to assist the organization. "We understand and appreciate the club's importance to the community and are eager to work with them to offer support and help them continue as a valued organization in our borough,” said the spokesperson.
Despite these reassurances, the future remains uncertain. The club has claimed insufficient transparency from the council, which merely indicated plans for redevelopment without specifics. While there was mention of alternative accommodations, the club has since found itself left out of discussions.
Martin Bass emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting, "We’re gonna make some noise. The only thing I hope is someone on the council is taking notice." His call to action reflects not only his devotion to the club but also the passion of every member fighting to keep their cherished community hub alive.
Supporters of Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club are determined to show the council how much the gym matters to their lives. With petitions circulating and passionate members rallying, they aim for the community’s voice to be heard loud and clear. They hope the new year brings renewed discussions and potential solutions to secure the gym’s future.
What lies next for the Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club is unclear, but the impact of the closure would certainly resonate far beyond its walls, affecting everyone who has found strength, support, and community within its space. Every weight lifted tells a story of resilience, determination, and the community spirit thriving against the odds. These members not only uplift their body but also each other, embodying the essence of camaraderie in sport.
