Brandon Working Men’s Club was built in 1885 by the trustees of the late James Beech (a railway magnate). It was originally contained reading and refreshment rooms plus a club room and was run by a committee; in 1911 the secretary was gardener Mr William Baines.1
Billiards, Whist and Bridge
In February 1911 the annual meeting was held, presided over by Colonel Beech. A committee was elected and asked to obtain better lighting for the billiard tables. Mr & Mrs Baines were thanked for their hard work maintaining the Club, and his salary was increased by £5 a year.2 The club had a large number of billiard tables and a keen team who won matches against other local teams. In March 1911 the Brandon Working Men’s Club team played Wolston Social Club at billiards and whist: Brandon won the billiards 5:2 whilst Wolston won the whist 5:2.3 In April 1911 a concert was held where prizes donated by Mr & Mrs Ashburner were given out for billiards and bridge. Entertainment was provided by singers with a gramophone and some ‘up to date’ records.4
The club still flourishes today
Currently the club is licensed; it offers snooker, pool, darts and skittles and a function room that hosts local organisations including the Brandon, Bretford and Wolston History Society. We’d love you to share your memories of the club with us.
References
1 ‘Brandon, Bretford and Wolston 1911: before the Great War’ edited by Jeff Chatwin. Warwickshire County Record Office referemce B WOL Cha (P) section 14 ‘Pubs & Clubs’.
2 Rugby Advertiser: February 25th 1911.
3 Rugby Advertiser: March 18th 1911.
4 Rugby Advertiser: April 1st 1911.
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