WORKING MEN'S CLUB
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 4th January 1901
WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
A well-attended meeting of those interested in this new organisation took place in the Town Hall on Thursday evening week, under the presidency of Mr. Frank Edwards, M.P
After the advantages and benefits to be derived from the formation of such a club had been discussed, it was decided to rent or lease the old wool warehouse in Church-street, at stipulated rental of £18 per annum, and it was also resolved that alterations by way of improvement to the interior of the building be carried out to the value of about £70.
In reply to question as to how the money would be raised, Mr. Wainwright and Mr. Medlicott, who are the prime movers in the new venture, expressed their opinion that the club would be self-supporting at a fee of 8d. per month per member, and they intended to invite the friendly societies and the Y.M.C.A. to rent a room or two, or, at all events, the club would have rooms to let.
Dr. Graves had sent a bagatelle board, and Dr. Hoffman bad promised financial assistance.
After Mr. Medlicott had read a set of draft rules, the meeting proceeded with the election of officers, Mr. Frank Edwards, M.P., being elected president, and Mr. A. H. Wainwright and Mr. G. H. Medlicott vice-presidents, the latter gentleman being also elected treasurer and secretary. A committee of 14 was elected for the management of the club.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 15th February 1901
A plan for the erection of a building in a field adjoining the George-lane, was put before the Urban Council, to be used as the Working Men’s Club. The plan was passed, subject to it being signed by some responsible person or persons.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 29th March 1901
WORKING MENS CLUB.
The promoters of this institution, excellent though it is, have so far received considerable opposition the erection of the proposed iron building for the resort of members of the club.
In the first instance meetings were held to decide on the purchase or hire of a building or rooms in West-street and also in Church-street, but failing a satisfactory decision, and as a means of economy in dealing with the funds then in hand, it was decided that a portable building which had served a similar purpose in London, should be purchased at an outlay of £40.
This arrived in sections, and plans for its erection in a field abutting on George-lane were submitted to and passed by the Urban District Council, subject to responsible persons signing the drawings in case any nuisance should arise. Subsequently, however, the promoters transferred their attentions to what they considered a more central and at the same time a more accessible position on a piece of garden ground off West-street. A lease for 16 years was drawn up and signed by the owner and responsible parties on behalf of the club at a yearly rent of £7 10s., and the brick foundations were put in.
Objections to the erection of the building were, however, laid before the Urban Council, and when the plans for the site in West-street were submitted the local authority refused their approval, on the grounds that a public building such as this, of corrugated iron with match board lining, would be in contravention of the existing bye-laws. Much dissatisfaction has been shown over this decision, but in fairness to the Council it is only right to state that their action was in accordance with the bye-laws, whatever views may be taken with the regard to the first site, and it is to be regretted that their refusal to sanction the erection of the building should be misconstrued by some as an effort to throw cold water on the movement.
A further meeting of those interested in the formation of the institution was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening. Mr J L Allcock presiding. It was reported that Mr A H Wainwright was disposed to grant the club a site in Wilcome-street rent free, and also that he would lend £30 towards the cost of erection. It was also mentioned that the committee had something like £60 promised or already in hand, and effort would be made to obtain further sums by means of shares in the undertaking. Several of those present promising to purchase and others to increase the shares already held.
The meeting decided to endeavour to raise £120, which would enable them to erect a brick structure. The meeting was also of the opinion that the site offered by Mr Wainwright would be more advantageous than that in West-street, and his generous offer was gladly accepted and a resolution unanimously passed for the rescinding of the lease of the site in West-street.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 19th April 1901
URBAN COUNCIL. April 10th. Mr J R Bache presiding. - A plan of the proposed Working Men's Club room in Wilcome-street was examined and passed by the Council.
Shrewsbury Chronicle -1st November 1901
OPENING OF THE WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
The opening ceremony in connection with the Working Men's Club 'took place on Friday evening last. It will be remembered that considerable difficulty was met with by the promoters in selecting a site. but at length perseverance has had its reward in a handsome and suitable building erected off Wylcwm-street. That the club is fulfilling its purpose cannot be doubted, considering that some 80 or more members have already been enrolled, the majority of whom find delight in nightly resort in its friendly shelter and participate with pleasure in the amusements to be found within its walls.
The building itself is of brick on concrete foundations. It is covered with an iron roof. and the interior is lined almost throughout with stained matchboarding. On its erection a sum of £280 has been spent, the money having been raised by means of loans advanced free of interest by the members. and by the issue of 10s. shares to them. There are two rooms—one upstairs and one down—and the latter is let on Sundays to the New Baptist Society. Billiards and bagatelle are provided in the upper room, for which a small charge is made.
The club is not making a great feature of reading, but a quantity of literature is provided. and any deficiency in this respect is provided for by the Y.M.C.A. The idea of forming such an institution first originated with Messrs. G. H. Medlicott and A. H. Wainwright. who secured a room in Broad-street. and started on a somewhat limited scale. The proceedings on Friday took the form of a coffee supper. followed by a public meeting and entertainment. The supper tables were presided over by Mrs. J. L. Allcock. Mrs. W. Weale. Mrs. J. Moore. Mrs. A. Elsmore. Miss Prince, Miss Wainwright. Miss Gough, and Miss Lloyd. and no less than 261 individuals partook of the good fare provided by the caterer, Mr. J. E. Parton.
At the public meeting Mr. Frank Edwards. M. P. (the president of the club) occupied the chair. There was a crowded attendance.
The Chairman said he had long thought there was need of an institution such as that club in Knighton. and was very glad that Mr. Wainwright. and Mr. Medlicott took the matter up in earnest; and he congratulated them and all who had had anything to do with the club's formation. The club would be a great boon to many young people. and possibly older people, too, during the long winter months. It would be the place of resort where they would meet friends in friendly chat, read the papers. and smoke the pipe or cigarette of peace. There were games provided also, and more would be done in that direction later. The club was non-political and non-sectarian. and he would urge upon all to become members of it. He concluded by wishing success and prosperity to the Knighton Working Men's Club.
Mr. Medlicott expressed his delight at the attendance. and said members continued to come in day after day. He feared the club would not have been built without Mr. Wainwright. He had given them the land at the very big rent of 1s. per annum, and would be lucky if he got that. (Laughter.) When they met in Broad-street they took a little money in subscriptions. but it was not much, and they did not pay their way: now he thought they would pay their way and have a bit to spare. It was not going to be a committee-ridden club, but was going to be managed by every member, and here would be a general meeting on the first Wednesday in every month. He had received a letter from Sir Powlett C. Milbank. Bart.. The Lord Lieutenant. stating:-
"I am very pleased indeed to hear you have erected a club house for working men at Knighton. I can fancy nothing more useful than a club house for working men in a town like Knighton, where newspapers can be read, games played, with social intercourse. and where ideas can be exchanged. I have much pleasure in sending you £10 as a loan without interest. I hope the club will prosper. and be a great success."
Mr. Wainwright also addressed the meeting. and said he had received a letter from Mrs. Rogers. of Stanage Castle. enclosing £10 from Mr. C. C. Rogers. The money had been given him to bestow on some such institution as theirs. and Mr. Rogers. after studying their rules, had wished his wife to send it..—A short programme of vocal music was afterwards gone through, in each room. by local artistes. and was much appreciated.
* A H Wainwright was Arthur Hiditch Wainwright who lived at Stapeley House, a Clothier And Outfitters by trade, he had a shops in Broad Street, Knighton, High Street, Kington, High Street, Leominster, and Builth. He supplied the land to the rear of his shop in Knighton.*
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 29th November 1901
WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
The committee of this club have now purchased a full size billiard table for the use of its members, and needless to mention it is thoroughly appreciated by the frequenters of the building.
Leominster News - 14th March 1902
PING-PONG HANDICAP.
Great interest is being taken in the Ping-Pong handicap at the Knighton Working men's Club. The players who have reached the semi-finals are: Messrs:- J. Bright (start 1), E. Jones (owes 1), W. Harris (owes 5), and the winner between Messrs. T. Turnell (owes 5), and T. Hatfield (Start 7). The third round produced some exciting and keenly contested games, one between Messrs, W. Harris (owes 5), and E. Jones (owes 5). being worthy of special mention. The game of 30 up lasted over an hour and a half, and the average of strokes per minute throughout the game was slightly over 62. The largest number of strokes from one point was 168, whilst on no fewer than seven other occasions, over the hundred was reached. Mr. W. Harris proved to be the winner by three points.
Shrewsbury Chronicle 21 November 1902
WORKING MEN'S CLUB. - The receipts from the coffee supper, concert. and entertainments held recently under the auspices of the Working Men's Club, amounted too £10 8s. 3d., and the expenditure to £1 5s., a balance, being left to the good of £9 3s. 3d. inclusive of the donations of £1 each from Mr. and Mrs C C Rogers, Stanage Park, and Mr. W.Hathornwaite, The Lee.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 13th February 1903
WORKING MEN'S CLUB. - The annual meeting of this club was held on Thursday evening, under the presidency of Mr Frank Edwards, MP.
The financial statement showed a total income of £91 18s. 6d., and a balance to the good on the year's working of £37 19s. 8d., which included £2 10s. 3d. in stock.
The actual cash balance of £35 9s. 5d. had been transferred to capital account, but in respect of this account there was an amount still due to the bank of £172 10s.
The statement was considered highly satisfactory, and the President congratulated all concerned.
Messrs. D Sibbald and John Jones were appointed auditors.
Mr Frank Edwards MP was re-elected president, on the motion of Mr D Sibbald, seconded by Mr A H Wainwright, and Messrs C C Rogers and C Venables Llewelyn were re-elected as vice-presidents. The Hon. Treasurer (Mr George H Medlicott) was re-elected also the Hon. Secretary (Mr A H Wainwright)
A ballot resulted in the election of the following gentlemen on the committee :- D Sabbald, J G Lloyd, A Elsmore, W Harris, Hno Jones, W Weale, T F Wills, J Reeves, J Cartwright, J L Allcock, Dr Hoffman and J cooper.
A vote of thanks to the President, proposed by the Vicar, concluded the meeting.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 6th November 1903
WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
The second annual coffee supper and entertainment promoted by the committee and members of the Knighton Working Men's Club were held on Friday in the Town Hall. At the supper the various luxuries that formed a really first class spread were. as on the similar occasion last year, generously provided by ladies and gentlemen of the town and district, free of all cost to the institution. The tables were in charge of the following ladies:—Mrs. Weal.. Mrs. C. Davies, Mrs. Simbald, Mrs. Medlicott, Mrs. W. Harris, Mrs. Burns, Mrs Wainwright, Mrs. Allcock Mrs. Rhodes, Miss Wall, Miss Prince, Miss Powell, Miss Stubbs, and Miss L. Lloyd. After supper the interior of the room speedily underwent a transformation.--The President of the club (Mr. Prank Edwards, M.P.), opened the entertainment with an address on the objects of the club and the goad work it had accomplished during the two years it had been in existence. The following items of the programme were well rendered, and to the evident satisfaction of the audience:—
Pianoforte solo. Mr. Medlicott;
Song, "Scarlet and Blue," Mr. E. Parker;
Song, "The Flowers' message," Miss Watkins (Nantymellan);
Cornet solo, "Rusticus," Mr. Allan Newman;
Song, "Once again." Mr. W. Hughes;
Song. "The Children's Home.", Miss Annie Watkins (Dolau);
Pianoforte solo. " Rundo alla Turea," Master Harold Price:
Song. "The Flight of Ages." Miss Watkins (Nantymellan);
Recitation. "A rat or a mouse," Mr. W. Phillips;
Song. 'Were I." Mr. Pryce Price;
Song. "A Little bit of string," Miss Annie Watkins.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 26th February 1904
WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
The annual meeting was held on Monday evening. Mr. W. Wale presided over a satisfactory attendance of the members. The statement of accounts presented by Mr. Geo. H. Medlicott (hon. treasurer) revealed a very creditable condition of affairs, the profit on the year's working being £36 14s. 11d. The Hon. secretary (Mr. A. H. 'Wainwright), in his annual report, referred to the good conduct of the club, and returned thanks to Mr. Frank Edwards, M P., and the ladies and gentlemen of the town and district for their gifts of books end papers. The President (Mr. Frank Edwards) was re-elected, and also the two Vice-Presidents (Messrs C. C. Rogers and C. Venables Llewelyn). The committee was elected by ballot, and the Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Secretary (Messrs. G. H. Medlicott and A. H. Wainwright) were reappointed.
Leominster News - 4th November 1904
WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
The members of the Working Men's Club held their fourth annual coffee supper and entertainment in the Assembly Room on Tuesday evening, when a large company were present.
The tables were presided over by Mrs. Sibbald, Mrs. Harris, jun., Mrs. Cartwright, Mrs. G. H. Medlicott, Mrs. Weale, Miss Powell, Miss Stubbs, Miss Warner and Miss Didlake (acting for Miss Ross).
The concert which followed was prefaced by a few words from Mr. Frank Edwards, M.P., who congratulated the promoters (Mr. A. H. Wainwright and Mr. Medlicott) on the position the club had attained, and the great benefit it conferred on the young men of the town. A capital programme was then gone through as follows :—
Pianoforte solo, Miss Wainwright,
Song, "The last watch," Mr. W. Hughes;
Song, "Noble Boy of Truth," Mr. Frank Lloyd;
Bass solo, Mr. John Davies;
Tenor solo. Mr. H. A. Debenham ;
Duet, Messrs. F. Lloyd and John Davies;
Comic song, " The Military Man," Mr. Charlie Stilt.
All the performers were well received, Mr. Charlie Stilt's song being especially greeted with thunders of applause.
Mr. Jesse Haig, who was touring with his "English Crown," not only gave up his room for the evening, but allowed several members of his talented and excellent company to take part in the entertainment. This greatly contributed to its success, and the best thanks of the promoters are due to this gentleman, to his manager (Mr. Rogers) to Mr. Fred Buckley, and to the various ladies of the troupe for assisting so generously. We are glad to say that some acknowledgement of his kindness was made in return by crowded houses during the last days of his stay, and we can assure Mr Haig that Knighton people will gladly welcome him again amongst them.
* Mr. Jesse Haig was the leader of a female choir troupe.*
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 11th November 1904
WORKING MEN'S CLUB. - The profit arising from the annual coffee supper and entertainment held recently in connection with the Working Men's Club has been returned at £9 10s.
Leominster News - 3rd March 1905
BILLIARD HANDICAP.
The final stages of the billiard handicap at the Working Men's Club were played off last week, with the following result:—
Semi-final : Jenkin Evans (owed 40), beat Arthur Bowen (owed 16);
W. Davenport (owed 15), beat W. Davies (respired 15).
Final: Jenkin Evans beat W. Davenport, and won by 19 points.
Leominster News - 24th February 1905
WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
The annual general meeting of this club was held on Wednesday evening, when Mr. Douglas Sibbald presided. and there was a good attendance.
Mr. George H. Medlicott (hon. treasurer) submitted his financial statement, which was considered very satisfactory. This showed a profit on the year's working of £36 10s. 8d., which had been carried to capital account. It was mentioned that the liabilities of the club which had stood at £300 were now only £186 9s., after payment for the new billiard table and other furnishings.
Mr. A. H. Wainwright said the statement was eminently satisfactory, and showed. how much the club was appreciated. The nightly attendance also showed that the club was supplying a long felt want, and was doing the good work for which it was started. namely. for providing profitable social recreation for the men of the town in a place where intoxicants. rowdyism and had language were not to be found.
Messrs. D. Gibbald and John Jones again accepted the post of hon. auditors, and the president (Mr. Frank Edwards, M.P.) was unanimously re-elected. The hon. sec. (Mr. A. H. Wainwright), and the hon. treasurer consented to act again, and the following committee of management was chosen by ballot: Messrs. Arthur Bowen, John Cartwright, James Cooper, A. Elsmore, John G. Lloyd, J. Reeves, W. Harris (jun.), D. Sibbald, William Weale, A. Whittall, W. Davies and C. W. Still. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.
Leominster News - 3rd November 1905
KNIGHTON WORKING MEN'S CLUB.
ANNUAL COFFEE SUPPER AND CONCERT.
From success to success the Workingmen's Club which was formed some five years' ago has been developing, and has proved a great boon to both young and middle-aged men of the town in every walk of life, and more especially to the working classes for which it was chiefly instituted, and by providing the necessary recreation outside the public-house it has had the desired effect. Its growth has been watched with the keenest interest by a zealous band of officers and a hard working committee, and little by little new games have been introduced until almost every kind of indoor sport is to be enjoyed.
Friday evening last added to its list of annual successes by drawing a larger crowd than ever to the Assembly Rooms, where an excellent spread had been provided, to which ample justice was done. The tables were cleared about 8.30, and a very interesting programme was gone through.
Mr. Frank Edwards, M.P., took the chair. and in opening the proceedings expressed his sorrow at the absence (through illness) of Mr. J. R. Bache who was to have presided. He was sure Mr. Bache would have been pleased to be there, as he had always taken the keenest interest in everything for the welfare of the town. He was delighted to see so many present who were not members of the club, and also to think the club was in so flourishing a state, he should like to see more members made, and he thought those who could not become active members could become honorary ones. He was pleased to see that new games were added, also that a new billiard table had been purchased which he was sure was an excellent one. He did not wish to detain the proceedings as there was a long and interesting programme to be gone through.
The programme commenced with a solo on Mr. Thomas Dyke's gramophone, after which a pianoforte solo by Mrs. Medlicott was nicely rendered. Mr. William Hughes in his sweet tenor voice sang "Mary," which was received with great applause. A mandoline solo by Mr. Charles Graves was enchored; and a very pretty quartet by the Misses Roberts and Bros. Roberts was sweetly sung. Mrs. Charles Graves very charmingly sang, and was encored. Mr. W. Phillips in his humorous recitation, entitled, "George Washington" next took the attention, and caused roars of laughter. A violin solo by Mr. Charles Graves appealed to the high class musician for appreciation, and was very sweetly played. Mr. Frank Lloyd next obliged with a bass solo, which was much appreciated, and after a few selections on the gramophone Mr. C. W. Still, whose talent for comic singing is widely known, brought forth roars of laughter with "The Horse the Missus dries the Clothes on." and was obliged to return and give the "Lodging House " before the shouts were subdued.
At the close of the programme Mr. A. H. 'Wainwright (hon. secretary of the club) proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding, and remarked that since the formation of the club Mr. Edwards had been one of its greatest friends. Of course others had supported, and he might mention Mr. C. C. Rogers who came forward and gave a helping hand on one or two occasions, also his friend Mr. Medlicott. He wished to thank everyone who had helped them that evening in providing such an excellent spread, and working so hard to make the event such a success. He then called upon Mr. Medlicott to second.
Mr. G. H. Medlicott wished to endorse everything that had been said, and also remarked that to raise three or four hundred pounds was no small thin, and could not have been done without liberal support, which he was sure they had received from all quarters. He was also glad to see so many members, especially married men. However. they had paid off a great deal of the debt, and he hoped the club would be as prosperous in the future as it had been in the past.
Mr. D. Sibbald also supported, and thought that not much remained to be said, but he should like to express the feelings of the members who much appreciated the kindness of everyone throughout the evening. There was one matter he should like to mention, and that was the little feeling of prejudice against the club which had existed during the first twelve months, and which he thought had now almost died out. He was, however, pleased to see members of every denomination present that night. He should like to see more regular members of the club, and he thought that he was right in saying that the slight prejudiced feeling which existed would be dispelled if everyone who was so deposed, sampled the club for a month, they would then see as to whether it was not worthy of the small subscription of 2s. 6d. a year for the advantages offered.
Mr Edwards returned thanks, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a very pleasant evening to a close.
At the close of the proceedings Mr. Frank Hale offered for sale the surplus provisions, when a fair amount was realised and added to a record entertainment.
The ladies who presided at the tables were as follows:—Mrs. Medlicott. Mrs. Wainwright, Mrs Allcock. Mrs. SibbaId, Mrs. E. Oldbury. Mrs. Still, Mrs. Cartwright. Mrs. W. Harris, Mrs. A. Whittall, Miss Ross, Miss L Lloyd and Miss Powell.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 15th December 1905
BILLIARDS.
The first handicap of the season was concluded on Saturday in the Working Men's Club. In the final round the contestants were Mr. F Lloyd (owed 5), and Mr. L Jones (received 20). The winner was Mr. Jones by 32 points.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 2nd November 1906
COFFEE SUPPER. - On Friday the annual coffee supper and entertainment in connection with the Working Men's Club too place at the Assembly Rooms.
A first-class supper was, as usual, provided by the residents of the town interested in the club, and there was a large attendance.
The entertainment had for chairman Mr C C Rogers, and local artistes took a creditable part in the programme. At the close the Chairman was heartily thanked for his presence and for his invariable support to the club ever since it was brought into being. Similar thanks were also accorded to the residents for providing the supper, and to all who had contributed to the success of the evening.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 15th March 1907
WORKING MEN'S CLUB
The annual meeting of the Working Men's Club was held on the 7th inst. The balance sheet showed a saving on the year's work of £24, and it. was reported that a portion of the loan had been paid off. It was agreed to still further reduce the loan during the current year. Mr. Prank Edwards, M.P. was re-elected president. Mr. Wainwright secretary. and Mr. Medlicott treasurer. The committee was also re-elected.
The Brecon Radnor Express - 23rd July 1914
TO LET, the Lower Room of the Working Men's Club, Wilcombe St., Knighton, size 27 x 20 ft, suitable for club or other meeting.—A. H. Wainwright, 18, Broad Street.
By 1945 the club had ceased to exist.
Kington Times - 28th July 1945
YOUTH CLUB - Premises formally occupied by the Knighton Works Social Club in Wylcwm street and Church street were officially opened as a Youth Club for the town and district on Tuesday. Mr. John Pugh, chairman, of the Knighton Youth Committee, presided and welcomed Mrs. Coltman Rogers, chairman of the Higher Education Committee, who, opening the Club, wished it and its members every success.