I come from a small mining village in South Wales. We had 11 pub/clubs here in the heyday of the local mines (deep navigation) output. We had pubs where you were warned to stay away from, workingmen’s/political/non political and everything in-between. You had to sign in if you aren’t a member. The committee man’s word was law. We had a men’s only bar, and a Jukebox with 24 songs in it. And woe betide anyone that spoke louder than a whisper during housy!
One of my last and best memories is of a bank holiday Monday. I was in a workingmen’s club called the dog and rabbit, and it was rammed. We had the Jukebox blaring hits from 50/60/70s, then silence fell as bingo and the tote were called, then it was up the top room to listen to a fantastic artist! The feeling of community was soooo good.
I’ve been to a few clubs recently, and it seems they just are not the same places as they were. That feeling of community that these places nourished has gone. Just wondering if it’s just my little corner of the valleys or are all clubs doing the same?
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Certainly still exist in N. Ireland although they’re invariably de facto, if not openly, sectarian.
They’re just like standard run down pubs here in North yorkshire
Still a few decent ” Workies ” open around the valleys mate, Im not a member of one havent been since the pits closed but still have the odd messy night in 1
There are a few left in London that have taken on a new lease of life and are growing their membership through a younger crowd.
I’m a member of the one near me and they have jazz on a Friday night, bingo for the older lot, snooker, pool and darts etc. It’s a really welcoming place.
My mums “village” has a Conservative, Working Mens and what was a Labour club, which is now a social club. But hosts a lot of far-right events. Go figure.
Near me there’s a Conservative Club and a British Legion.
I hate going in the Working Mens club though, it’s totally clique and dark and dingy. And also stinks of fags and stale beer. Much better even in the Conservative Club, but they can go fuck themselves.*
One thing that always gets me about clubs is the fact that beer is priced to the penny. And Because I hate counting, I always leave with a pocket of change, that usually gets dumped into a charity box.
*Incidentally I was in with family on the announcement of the first pub shutdown, and the landlord loudly proclaimed to the patrons that he’s refusing to shut, going against dear leaders orders. Until 15 minutes later the phone rings and he’s told by central command to shut. It’s also incredibly misogynistic, I never get asked for my membership, by all the ladies in my family who are actually members get asked at the bar. They were also the only ones who needed a reference to become members. And the committee weren’t best pleased when they referred each other.
My old home town in the north still has fairly popular clubs (Though the actual working mens club is one of the less popular).
My parents used to run the big working men’s club (Big concert room, loads of snooker tables, bowling green etc. Even used to have a house band) in a nearby town. i think that one is still going strong.
There are a handful near me in the south, but they aren’t that popular and it’s very unclear how you even become a member.