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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.