One of the oldest in the UK has dropped 'working men' from its name in a bid to attract new members.
Three quarters of working men's clubs have closed over the past 50 years, according to their national association. Now, one of the oldest in the country has dropped "working men" from its name in an attempt to reinvent itself and attract new members.
Earlier this year, the venue reached a "critical point" and managers did not know if they would be able to pay the wages. Steph says she feared it could close for good. "People seem to think we are still in the 1930s and 40s," says general secretary Ken Green. "I feel very sad about it." Two of the figures behind the success are sisters Janet Ballam and Julie Lawson. They can trace their family's involvement back to 1937, when their grandmother was on the founding committee. Back then, the club was housed in two wooden huts.Unlike Louth Social, Castle Ward has kept "working men's club" in its name. Vice-president Julie, 58, is keen to point out traditional selling points, such as "friendship, activities and entertainment at reasonable prices for all".
"They should be supported because they do provide something that's often lacking in many places in this country, and that's somewhere relatively cheap to go out, socialise and have a bit of a night out and fun for the family," she says.Back in Louth, a successful open day has brought in new members, but the club is placing much of the focus on traditional attractions, such as darts and snooker.
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