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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.