Pubs/Clubs
The Rising Sun, Sunniside
The Rising Sun.
The Sun Inn, situated on the corner of Sun Street and Sunniside Road, was opened in 1841, William Wilson being the Licensee. He was succeeded by William Rutherford (1850), William Surtees (1856), Robert Storey (1861) – although his wife Dorothy ran the pub with the aid of her daughter whilst he worked at Marley Hill pit, - Robert Reuben Storey (1873), and James Davison (1879).
Margaret Davison, nee Brabban.
At this point the pub was now named the Rising Sun. James had married a widow, Mrs. Margaret Brabban (the daughter of Robert Storey), and when he died Margaret continued to run the pub, helped by her son William Brabban, until her death in 1907.
Then Joseph Davison became Licensee.
Joseph and Louisa Davison
with their children.
When he died in 1915 at the age of 39 years his wife, Louise, continued to run the pub. Their son, Jimmy Davison, took over in 1934 and along with his wife, Ivy (Johnson), ran the pub until 1955. Their son, Stuart Davison (married to Joan Strong), chose to follow an electrical career so Arthur and Doris Scorer left the Marquis of Granby to take over the tenancy. When Arthur died in 1978 Doris ran the pub until her retirement in 1983.
The Marquis of Granby in 1938.
Viv and Tom Brown, followed and during their time the pub was refurbished and an extension was made into the house next door.
For the rest of the century there were several landlords who were there a relatively short time. An exception was Harold Turner.
The Whickham Boys.
The Whickham Boys were a group of men who frequented the Woodmans Pub, especially on a Sunday Night when they were not performing at one of their many charitable functions. They came about because Whickham Choir, a choir with strong choral traditions disbanded in 1958.
Some of the members wanted to continue singing so they decided they would not only try and recruit new members, they would also change their musical careers by singing songs from the shows with a little comedy thrown in as well.
This they did quite successfully for many years, raising thousands of pounds in the process for their many charities. Many organisations in the region benefited from their kindness and hard work, the biggest beneficiary was the Edith Brough Children's Home at Whickham.
Fred and Jean Howitt
...were the landlord and landlady of the Coachman's Public House and always had a good display of flowers around the pub.
Fred and Alan Martindale, a customer, built the large planters which stand outside. The stone they used was from Sam Curry’s Electrical shop on Front Street and the soil too was donated by David Foggin from the grounds of his property. Jean won first prize in the Britain in Bloom competition for the best kept commercial premises.
Fred restarted the Leek Club and won second prize in his second year.
In the late 1970’s The Coachmans was used as a school-room by the pupils of the Parochial School because of a caretakers strike. Television cameras took pictures to publicise the use of pubs during the strike. Jean said that the cleaners had their work cut out cleaning everything in the early morning before the children came. She also remembers the time after a refurbishment when there were no ladies toilet facilities in the bar area. The ladies had to go out of the bar and walk around the back of the pub and into the lounge area where there were toilets. Alterations were later made to access the toilets from the bar by knocking a hole in the wall between the bar and the snug.
The Woodman's Arms Public House - Whickham
On a hilltop 583 feet above sea level with a tremendous view over the Tyne Valley stands the Woodman’s Arms.
A hundred years ago the pub was the centre of a thriving little community, mostly the dependents of Gibside all Hall and the Strathmore Estate. Most of the cottages that once stood near have gone.
Early in the 20th century a Mrs. Watson had the tenancy of the Woodmans Public House. It was a private pub, owned by the Watson Family, not run by a brewery like they are today. The Woodmans has been altered many times over the years from the original Woodmans which had the beer cellar on the same level as the bar. This is where the Pub got its name because they served the beer from the wood (wooden casks).
In the early thirties it was a house with two rooms; the bar and the singing room or best end. There was a wooden form outside where families could sit and enjoy a drink together (beer or shandy for dad, lemonade for mam and children).
Mrs. Bet Francis, a former barmaid, recalls the days when there used to be an annual flower show on the field across the road with a dance in a marquee at night and the colliery band from Marley Hill playing the music.
Later it was very popular at weekends with the locals, who boasted a very good "Glee Club".
"In the winter months there would be a huge roaring fire in the snug and all the people would squeeze in there to sit for a chat. Later on in the evening we would be entertained by either the Whickham Boys or just some of the regulars who would sing with piano accompaniment.
On summer nights people could be seen sitting in the car park area on low walls drinking a quiet glass of wine or beer, in fact whatever took you fancy. The children would sit there with their glass of pop. Everyone spoke to each other, no one was ever left out and when strangers came along they would be invited into the company and the conversations."
The Woodman's always had a reputation for good service.
In 1951 the Woodman's was taken over by Newcastle Breweries. The tradition of “live�? music carried on into the 1970’s when Mr. Ridley Milton and his wife Ida ran the pub. At that time most of the trade was from regulars who came to hear the resident choir, “The Fellside Lilywhites�?, singing all the old songs. The pub was enlarged combining old and new building material in an attempt to keep the “country flavour�?. It became a place to eat with a very good reputation for quality food.
The pub was enlarged in the sixties when it became a place to eat with a very good reputation for quality food and a good restaurant.
The Brewery then decided to change the pub into a `Funky Kindergarten Kind of Pub', friendly, fast food and standing room only in the bar area. The pub was revamped again a few years ago but has yet to reach the former glory it enjoyed when it had it's wonderful restaurant.
In 2000, a very different establishment from the early days!
Ye Olde Lang Jack - Whickham
Ye Olde Lang Jack has since its formation had three names. Originally called the Crown, in 1939 became the Rose and Crown and finally in 1999 became Ye Olde Lang Jack in honour of Jack English whose statue now stands outside the pub. This statue originally stood in a field off Fellside Road, the site of Jack English’s cottage.
The original Crown Hotel was built in the early 1900's. It was not just a pub, but a hotel with rooms to rent upstairs. This building was demolished in 1965 and the land was purchased by Bellways the Builders. Bellways built a supermarket, Moores, on the same site with the "The Rose and Crown" public house above the supermarket. The pub re-opened on 6th of January 1966.
The first landlord, who was a temporary Manager of the newly reopened pub, was a Mr Jepperson. He was there for only four months. Mr Jack Collins became the permanent manager in September of the same year and he was there for approximately 13 years. Other managers over the years were; Mr Jack Henderson; Mr Andy Nichol; and prior to her taking over the Coachmans Pub, Mrs Pat Hudson.
The pub closed again in 1999, but this time for only one month for major refurbishment. On the 16th of July it re-opened. The pub almost reverted back to its original design with pub facilities being on two floors. The upstairs has a lounge and function room and downstairs a very large bar with pool table.
The change of name, to Ye Olde Lang Jack, caused a few problems. The regulars of the pub went as far as starting up a petition to get the breweries to revert back to the old name of 'The Rose & Crown'. These people actually managed to get 64 names on their list requesting the owners to retain the old name but to no avail. The owners did not even acknowledge their complaint.
Just as a matter of interest, the bus route timetable still calls the pub by its former name of 'The Rose and Crown' and even the locals still refer to the pub as 'The Crown'.
The Bridle Path - Whickham
The Bridle Path, formerly The Three Tuns.
The Highwayman - Whickham
The "Highwayman", which was built in 1963, stands on Whickham Highway in pleasant surroundings with panoramic views of Newcastle. The decor in the "Tyburn" and "Turpin" rooms, with old pistols and old maps, reflects accurately its name, the "Highwayman". It is very popular with its clientele, especially the excellent dining facilities and large selection of meals.
One of the Landlords of the Highwayman was a gentleman called Bill Bonham. He and his wife Beulah always extended a warm welcome to the customers. This is one of the reasons for the happy atmosphere within the pub.
Mr Bonham introduced a new innovation to the bar, a "Shove Ha'penny" board, which attracted a great deal of interest from the regulars. The "Highwayman" was another one of the Whickham pubs who choose to support the local Dame Edith Brough Home for children. It gave the home a great deal of support, quietly and without fuss. This was a very worthy cause and was the measure of Bill and Beulah's sincerity.
The "Highwayman" boasts a very successful darts team. The impressive display of trophies on show in the bar is a tribute to the skill of the players and hard work of former organiser Don Wilson and secretary Billy Hutchinson. Another aspect of the darts team is shown in the letter of appreciation received from The Spastics Society for the generous donations collected after various matches.
The Coachmans - Whickham
The Coachmans stands opposite the site of two cottages, once part of an old Whickham estate, built many years ago. The Coachman's pub actually stands in what used to be Rutter's Farm. There was a driveway right up Burnthouse Lane for the farm and farmhouse, and the Big House.
The Pub stands very close to where the stables for the big house once were. There was apparently a large house on the corner of Burnthouse Lane and Grange Lane belonging to a Mrs. Kelly. The Kelly's were wealthy people who owned the farm and the Coachman's cottages.
There was an incline before you got to the coachman's garden, with a stile and a footpath. This was where the cottages were built. In one of the cottages there lived a lady by the named of Mrs. Elvin with her three children. Mrs Elvin had a little small holding there where she kept hens. The hens were given the run of the house as well as her smallholding.
Across from her cottage were the stables. This is where the Coachman's Pub is now situated. In the centre of Burnthouse Lane there were a number of cottages. One at the very bottom going towards Fellside Road called Laundry Cottage, (now Garth Cottage) as there was a well, where presumably they did the laundry for the Big House.
When the Coachmans was built it was not originally meant to be a Public House. It was built for a Mrs Fenteman who was going to live there, but she never went into it as a house. It was commissioned for her by a Mr. Wilkinson and built by Mr. Alex Watson. Mr. Wilkinson who had a pop business in Gateshead lived in Whickham Park. Eventually Watson's Builders bought the building themselves and extended it to make it into a Public House.
The pub has had many alterations over the years including one done by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries when they took the pub over. High standards of building were laid down. Increased accommodation around the nucleus of the existing buildings was required.
The main problem for the architects, Williamson, Faulkner, Brown and Partners, and consulting engineers, R.W. Gregory and partners, was to incorporate the new buildings in a way which would not detract from the appearance and performance of the new premises.
Every effort had to be made to preserve the rural aspect of the area and to preserve most of the existing trees. To succeed in this, to increase rather than detract from the rural aspect, heavily tiled roofs and substantial walls were used. The pleasant looking character of the premises was retained by eliminating windows, which faced onto the car park or the road and concentrating them upon views between the trees.
Some of the Previous Landlords: Mr. Jeff Dunn Mr. Joe Foreshaw was there for six years Mr. Fred Howitt and his wife Jean who were at the Coachmans for almost 17 Years Mrs. Pat Hudson was landlady for six years.
The Bay Horse - Whickham
The Bay Horse is the only Pub on Whickham's Front Street to keep its original name.
From 1905 there is a photograph outside the pub showing the participants of a charity football match.
In 1913 the landlord was John Arkless, who was followed in 1915 by John Buckhurst who remained until at least 1939.
By the 1970's the manager Arthur Washington and his wife Madeleine were the youngest couple with Scottish and Newcastle Breweries. They held many charitable functions whilst they were at the Bay Horse. Because of Arthur and Madeleine's camaraderie amongst their customers they were able to get the support they needed for the various charities. Beneficiaries of these events were the Edith Brough Home on Whaggs Lane, the Blake Avenue Home for Underprivileged Children and providing money for many trips for Senior Citizens.
Whickham Glebe Sports Club
Whickham Glebe Sports Club was opened on 2nd March 1974, on the Glebe Sports ground. The premises comprised a lounge, bar facilities, changing rooms for both Whickham Football and Whickham Cricket Clubs, a Committee Room and a cellar with a cooling system.
The first committee had three officials, Chairman - Allan Plews (Captain of Whickham C.C second team), Secretary - Gerry Oxley and Treasurer - William Nicholson together with five members representing the Football Club and five representing the Cricket Club.
Whickham & District Social Club
On the 6th June, 1904, a group of Whickham men inaugurated the Whickham and District Social Club. The Club was initially located in Front Street, Whickham, but soon acquired their present premises, originally a stone built farmhouse, part of which is still visible almost a century later. In 1910 affiliation with the C.I.U. took place, and later extensive alterations were carried out to the building.
The club has been re-styled several times since those early days and has always been a very popular venue for local people, who have been entertained in very spacious and impressive surroundings. The "Continental Room" has been recently refurbished with three snooker tables and the bar area is now being redesigned. These improvements should prove attractive to members who are assured of a friendly and hospital environment.
Mention must be made of officials, committees, staff, stewards and members past and present. Their loyalty to the Club has been unsurpassed, many having given over half a century of service and have brought the Club from its humble beginnings in a small cottage on Front Street, Whickham, to the present large and modern facilities.
The Seven Stars -Swalwell
The Seven Stars was an old Swalwell pub standing in Market Lane opposite the Three Tuns and The Sun. It was demolished about 1970 ostensibly in connection with the construction of the Gateshead Western By-Pass. The area is now landscaped and grassed over.
The Sun - Swalwell
The Sun was built in 1895, a Lady called Eileen Clavering had been the Proprietor there for many years. The present Manager, Mark Jobling has only been at the pub for three months but he had been manager of the Three Tuns for many years prior to its closure in 2000.
The Three Tuns - Swalwell
The Three Tuns had been a very popular pub at one time, the pub closed in 2000, opening later with a new name 'Three T'.
The Poacher - Swalwell
This pub was previously The Station Hotel. It stands opposite where Swalwell Railway Station once stood.
The Highlander - Swalwell
The Highlander was originally the stables of The Angel Coaching Inn.
The Angel - Swalwell
The Angel Coaching Inn was built in the early 16th century. It was fairly recently used as an antique shop and Guest House.
Swalwell Social Club
Swalwell club 1930s before rebuilding.
Swalwell Social Club as rebuilt.
After an inaugural meeting at the Clavering Arms Inn, Swalwell, in 1902, the Swalwell Social Club opened at the White House, which was formerly a vicarage. Affiliated to the C.I.U. in 1905, the Club (pictured) moved 6 years later to Taylor's Brewery, adjacent to the present building which was opened in 1939 after being built by the C.W.S. at a cost of £9,000. Success of the Club ensured that it took less than 4 years to clear the initial cost. With its Centenary now past Swalwell Social Club extends a warm welcome to members. The hours of opening are 11am - 3pm (Fridays to Mondays only )and 7pm - 11pm daily and facilities include a games room with snooker table and darts.
The Traveller's Rest - Sunniside
Built in 1858 and originally named "The Greyhound Inn". In 1891 the pub was renamed and became "The Board". At this time George Stott was the licensee and he had previously been a butcher at Streetgate.
In 1894 the pub was renamed again and it became "The Travellers Rest". More recently it has been called "The Mean Fiddler" and at the present time it is called "The Fret'n Fiddler". Over the years the licensees have been too numerous to name and at the present time it is closed. This pub is one of the largest in the area and it has been rumoured that the overheads are astronomical!
The Potters Wheel - Sunniside
The Taylors' owned this property which was built by Harry Kindred in 1926. Part of the building was used as Taylor’s Refreshments and the rest as a dance hall in which were held weekly dances.
Then it was bought, by Seed and Sons and turned into a garage. Next Warriers bought it as a base for a Taxi Business. Later it became a garage again.
It then became the first night-club in The North-East of England, The Blue Parrot. On one occasion the cabaret act was Mandy Rice-Davies of Profumo fame. The club closed when night-clubs started opening up in Newcastle and other local towns.
Next it became a proprietary club, then a Chinese Restaurant. At present it is a very popular pub, The Potters Wheel. It opened, despite protests, in February 1973. (Five licensees in the area and the owner of an off licence objected to the application.) The Licencee was George Pritchard formerly Manager at the Towneley Arms, Rowlands Gill.
The premises had been bought by a wholesale potter, hence the name.
Note the price of a meal!
Sunniside Social Club
Sunniside Club was formed in 1914. The founder members took over Rose Cottage, a small building which stood on the edge of the lane. In 1915 the Club became affiliated to the Club and Institute Union.
In 1918 a new Club was built close to Rose Cottage. It was small but with improved facilities. The Club struggled financially during the years of the First World War and throughout the depression of the 1920s. By the end of the Second World War the building was in a deplorable state, the roof leaking, floors rotten, and the Club in a lot of debt.
After the Second World War members returning from military service and other members set to work to repair the Club. The Club's trading position improved and Rose Cottage was demolished in the late 1950s to allow the Club to expand.
Many changes have taken place over the years and the Club has played a very important part in the social life of the village for generations of people. In 1980 the main area of the Club was extended to its present size, the last extension being the Games Room which was completed in 1985. The Club interior is beautifully decorated and furnished. It is very comfortable and boasts many amenities.
Its close relationship with the Northern Clubs' Federation Brewery has been of great benefit to the members, with low prices, excellent products and a barrelage discount.
The success of Sunniside Social Club is owing to the work so freely given by the enthusiasts, who over the years have served on the Club committee. The Steward, Bar Staff and, of course, the members have also played their part.
The Rose - Streetgate
About 1856, Robert Stott, tailor and publican, moved from the public house at Low Streetgate to open up the "Union Inn" which he renamed "The Rose and Thistle" in 1868. His sons George and Billy were both butchers and had premises for their trade beside the pub. Billy took over the pub in 1880 and renamed it "The Rose, Shamrock and Thistle", (known by some as the middle house or halfway house). It was while Billy was in charge that Tommy (the poet) Armstrong wrote "Hedgehog Pie".
Billy's wife Lizzie had the license in 1902 and she retired to Fuger Bar tollhouse. Tom Storey was the publican in 1910.
The house was considerably enlarged in the early 1960s and in 1987 was renamed "The Rose".
The Marquis of Granby - Streetgate
The Marquis of Granby Public house is situated on Streetgate, Sunniside in the county of Tyne and Wear. The building is on the route of one of the first wagon-ways built around 1710 and may have been used for resting and watering of the horses.
The first tenant of the public house, The Marquis of Granby, we have been able to trace was Mrs. Margaret Pyle in 1861. In the year 1865 we know that the landlord was one William Laidman, locally known as 'Bill of the Bank'. The next tenants we are able to trace are Thomas Gray Thirlaway of Union Cottage, Sunniside and his brother Robert. The two brothers were left the property in a will but we are unable to be certain of the date or the benefactor.
The pub was purchased in April 1902 by Newcastle Breweries Ltd., and was rebuilt between 1903 and 1905 at a cost of £1908. The tenants since that date have been:-
Thomas Routledge May 1906
James Heanne Feb 1910
Chas Wm Esson April 1915
Jas Wm Redhead Feb 1934
Harold Burn Hall May 1936
Arthur Dixon Scorer Feb 1938
William Joseph Hocking Sep 1955
William Montgomerie Aug 1956
Malcolm Henry Frederick O'Shea Aug 1966
John Bingham Patterson June 1969
Mary Barton Aug 1970
Cecil A Bell July 1977
Ola Bell (his wife) Oct 1979
John Gray April 1981
Peter Weatherby Dec 1982
It was during the tenancy of the Scorer family that the first known sighting of the ghost occurred. It was young Arthur and his elder brother who witnessed the event one night in their bedroom. Since that time each succeeding tenant has experienced possible sightings and strange occurrences. It is believed to be the image of an elderly woman and whether or not there is any connection with the murder that took place in 1865, we are unable to say.
The Royal - Dunston
Owned and run by Margaret and Stan McKale who were former tenants of the Crowley.
In 1968-1970's The Royal Dunston Darts Teams, both A and B Teams, distinguished themselves by winning the Whickham and District A and B League Championship simultaneously. It had been the first time in ten years this had been achieved. The Royal had fielded good darts teams for over twenty years at this time
The Royal Regulars setting off for their annual "Farthing Outing" in 1910. They saved a farthing a week for this event, hence the name of the outing.
The Cross Keys Public House - Dunston
The Cross Keys Public House, on Ravensworth Road has had and has see many changes over the years. The building is one of Dunstons finest building after its refurbishment in the late seventies.
The Name Cross Keys, was a common sight prior to the Reformation, being the emblem of St Peter. Later the sign had a significance when watchmen kept guard throughout the night on behalf of the community.
The Old Collingwood Hotel - Dunston
A very popular pub in the twenties when the Manager was Joe Batey, it was situated not far from the Royal Hotel. The pub and all the property around it were demolished in the thirties and forties. A block of flats now stands on the site.
The pub was rebuilt as The New Collingwood further up Dunston Road.
The Chancellor's Club - Dunston
This club stood on Ravensworth Road opposite The Cross Keys. For some reason it was known as The Cracker Club or just The Crackers. It was a favourite of the trimmers, who worked at the nearby Staiths. They could obtain a pint after coming off night shift at 6a.m. Unfortunately it fell foul of the law and lost its licence. During the Second World War, after standing empty for some time, it was vandalized by local children of all ages. The older ones gained entry by breaking windows and doors. The younger ones went in and stripped the walls of pieces of plaster to use as chalk for marking bays for playing various versions of hopscotch!!
Holmeside Hall Labour Social Club - Dunston
The inaugural meeting of shareholders of the Holmeside Hall Labour Social Club was held on the 9th March, 1954. Mr. L. Atkins was elected President, Mr. N. Rutherford, Secretary, Mr. J. Vickers, Vice President and Mr. T. Chicken, Treasurer. The Committee was also elected. At the first Committee Meeting held on the 17th March, 1954, a report was given on the proposed site. It was also agreed that ladies could become shareholders and they could elect their own Committee which would be able to submit recommendations to the main Committee. On the 21st March, 1954, it was decided that the Club be registered with the Industrial and Provident Society, and that Planning Permission be sought for the site. At a subsequent meeting the Builders were selected and the Club was open for business on the 22nd December, 1955. The official opening of the Club was on Saturday, 17th March, 1956, and the special guests included Mr. J. Buggle, Whickham U.D.C., Mr. R. Bowey, Chairman and Secretary, Federation Brewery, Mr. Baddiley, Mr. R. Woof, M.P. and Inspector Mitford of Whickham Police.
More recently the Club has spent £16,000 on improvements, and in addition to the games room, bar and large concert area, there is a most comfortable lounge. The Club attracts a wide cross-section of the community, having included in the past two M.Ps and two J.Ps, amongst other notable members. Another proud record of the Club is the award by the C.I.U. of Certificates of Merit to seven Committee Members for long service on the Committee.
It is with gratitude that the members of the Holmeside Hall Labour Social Club recall the few local men who laid the foundations of this respected Club, which goes on from strength to strength. Indeed it was a most remarkable achievement.
Dunston Social Club
The club was inaugurated in 1892 by several local men namely Dr Foster, Charles Nordman, Isaac Bewley, Arthur Brunswick, Albert Sweeney, John Reynolds and others. They soon acquired Number 151 Clavering Avenue, Dunston, which had previously been occupied by the Primitive Methodists, and in 1898 the "Clav" was born.
Until the First World War it remained a rather exclusive private club, but in 1920, after extensions and alterations had been carried out, affiliation to the C.I.U. took place. However the Committee found this did not have the anticipated effect and so the club once again became private.
On the 15th April 1969, the impressive new building on Ravensworth Road was opened, at a cost of approximately £80,000. The 1,500 members of this private club enjoy a very comfortable lounge, spacious bar and a large concert room; a great improvement on 1926 when membership was only 87 and liquidation became a strong possibility.
Over the 108 years that the club has been in existence many officials have given sterling service, none more so than Mr John Cope (Chairman) and Mr Robert Davison (Secretary).
Dunston House Mechanics Social Club
This historic club was founded on the 9th of October 1913 and has occupied its present premises for many years. Alterations and improvements have been made to the building which was originally owned by various well known families.
The club is known locally by the name "Abode of Love", although the founder's grandson, Tom Goulbourn, has told us that his grandfather always called it "The Abode I love". However, the Committee like to think that the name refers to the hospitality for which the club has always been renowned.
The club's records for 1930 reveal that rum cost 1/4d per bottle, liqueur whisky 12/- per bottle, beer 5/3d per gallon, matches 9d per dozen boxes, and twist tobacco 10/3d per lb.
Also astonishing is the fact that in 1971 membership fees were 5d per year. Members were entertained every other Thursday evening by top-line artists free of charge and also had the use of an extensive library! Senior Citizens were taken on trips and received £1, a miniature whisky, 2 pints of beer, lunch and tea and a wonderful outing. Entertainment is still free of charge on Friday evenings from 8pm onwards and on Saturday evenings there is a minimum charge of 50p.
The club has now been a part of Dunston's history for almost 90 years and goes from strength to strength, with many officials giving valuable service over many years.
Dunston Excelsior Social Club
The Dunston Excelsior Social Club's first premises were in an Athol Street house and the first general meeting took place there on April 28th, 1907, when Mr. D. Whing and Mr. W. Bourn were appointed Chairman and Secretary respectively. In 1910 the Excelsior Social Club moved to their present premises.
In those early years many poignant entries were made in their Minutes, e.g. "11th November, 1908. Carried that this Club send Mrs. Gallon 2/6d. weekly in response to her letter in the Chronicle to help the starving people in this village." Also "21st March, 1909. Carried we give £2.2.0. to the West Stanley disaster.
A few years after these Minutes were written the Club established an indoor rifle range and the Dunston Boys' Team using these facilities became English champions during the First World War. Tom Goulbourn's grandfather won on one occasion and Tom has a replica of the target.
Excelsior Club outing
Excelsior Club outing 2
Felling police and the Home Guard used the rifle range before its eventual closure in 1946. In 1940 the British Expeditionary Force were billeted in the Club concert room after their successful evacuation from the beaches of Dunkirk. These gallant men were given a brief respite from hostilities and benefited from the wonderful hospitality at the Excelsior.
Over the years the Club has supported a number of interests including the Pigeon Club, the Whippet Club, two Darts' Teams and two Snooker Teams. Today members have to rely on dart-boards and snooker tables.
Many officials' name are written in the annals of the Dunston Excelsior Social Club's history, having given years of faithful service to the members.
The Excelsior has in recent years enjoyed the sort of fame normally associated with places like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo. Gazza certainly put Dunston and the Excelsior in particular on the international map.