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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).
Comments
I believe my Dad "John Frederick Bush" was the longest serving official at Dunston Social Club (the Clav) is this true.
Posted by: George Bush at January 27, 2009 5:17 PM
My father was Club Secretary at the `Clav` for a number of years and was well liked by members and committee alike.
His name: James Hannon (known as Jimmy or Jim at the club) He died in 1974 of cancer aged 54.
Posted by: John Hannon at September 28, 2009 7:00 PM
Thanks for the information about the 'Clav'.
Posted by: Whickham Web Wanderers at October 1, 2009 9:35 AM
I'm researching Dunston for my dad, Robert Pattinson, most would know him as Bob Pattinson. He now lives in the South West. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him.
Kind Regards
Posted by: Lynn Pattinson at July 9, 2010 7:47 PM