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Old Glasgow Pubs by john gorevan

 

Bridgeton's working men's Club.

Bridgeton, Glasgow.

In the NEWS 1979...

Club with NO beer is to close it's doors...

Officials of one of Britain's oldest unlicensed working men's clubs will meet in Glasgow for the last time next week... to formally dissolve the organisation.

The unavoidable decision will be taken by the few remaining members of Bridgeton Working Men's Club as a result of falling attendances and lack of interest.

The club first opened it's doors in 1865 when James Templeton, of the now famous carpet firm, became its first chairman at a time when success was guaranteed.

GAMBLING

Over 70,000 members and visitors converged each year to the club premises in Landressy Street to partake of leisure pursuits ranging from carpet bowls to dominoes.

Local workers and bosses rubbed shoulders at the club, which organised the usual fund-raising activities and held outings for old folk. The constitution reflected the mood of the moment, strictly no drink or gambling allowed on the premises, and while games were allowed for six days a week the club only opened on a Sunday if it was for an activity related to religion.

But the area itself has undergone drastic change over the years and so too has the club. membership has fallen to such an extent that the club is only used on a regular basis by the local old folk as a meeting place.

Chairman William Jackson, who has held office for the past 10 years, commented, "We had to close the club for the last time in September last year. No one is prepared nowadays to lend a hand.

"People today are only interested in playing bingo, boozing, and gambling. We ended with about 20 members who felt it was pointless carrying on.

"I'm aged 74 and have been a member for the last 54 years. The club premises, it's a listed building, has been handed over to Glasgow District Council.

"The few remaining members will meet and formally dissolve the club. It's a sad affair."

End.

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