A stage sits in the corner of a club which has been in a York suburb for more than a century. It’s a small stage consisting of a drum kit and two small amplifiers hooked up to a PA system. But it’s potential is huge.

“It could save us,” says Dave Beavers, referring to the Burton Lane Club in Bootham Crescent.

The club used to enjoy a roaring trade when York City played across the road, he says. “You couldn’t move in here – it was three deep at the bar.”

But, after 89 years, the flood lights were turned off for the last time at Bootham Crescent in 2021 – and the club moved to the LNER Community Stadium.

The move hit the Burton Lane Club hard.

“We lost over £20,000 when York City disappeared,” says Dave, licensee at the Clifton club. “And then with Covid, which was more of a crisis.”

Dave Beavers outside the Burton Lane Club in Bootham CrescentDave Beavers outside the Burton Lane Club in Bootham Crescent (Image: Dylan Connell) He recognises that the club, which was set up for soldiers coming home from the First World War, must change if it’s to continue.

“If we want to survive, we want youngsters to come in this club,” he says. “It’s struggling because there’s a lack of interest, and members aren’t using it.”

Dave feels that live music could be the answer.

The stage at the Burton Lane Club, which could save itThe stage at the Burton Lane Club, which could save it (Image: Dylan Connell) The 74-year-old has opened the club, which he joined in 1974, to bands who were due to perform at the Victoria Vaults, in Nunnery Lane, after it closes in December.

 “We’ve got a lovely auditorium which can seat up to 200 people and more standing,” he says.

​Youngsters 'are the future' of the club, says Dave

Dave and the club’s committee are also working with Emerging Talent – and its promoter Mark Ellerker – to encourage more young people to perform there. The organisation provides opportunities for up-and-coming bands to perform in music venues across York. It also provides the kit to allow them to do so.

The Burton Lane Club in Bootham CrescentThe Burton Lane Club in Bootham Crescent (Image: Dylan Connell) “We need youngsters; they are the future,” says Dave.

He explains how many young people, including students, live in the area – and he wants to make the club somewhere they want to go.

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As the club has been part of his life for five decades, Dave doesn’t want it to close its doors.

The small but mighty amplifiers on stage at The Burton Lane Club in Bootham CrescentThe small but mighty amplifiers on stage at The Burton Lane Club in Bootham Crescent (Image: Dylan Connell) He’s prepared to “alter to suit”, he explains – an example being the club’s monthly goth night. It’s a “great success”, says Dave. “Those who come in for it are really nice people. There’re lots of long dresses and Dr Martens boots.”

These goth nights also raise money for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation – a charity that stands against violence and intolerance in memory of Sophie Lancaster, who died after being attacked due to her appearance as part of the subculture.