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In August the Acregate Labour Club will celebrate 120 years, making it one of the oldest in the country and the first one in Preston.
But how did it all begin and what are they doing to celebrate it?
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The Birth of a Community Hub
The idea of opening a labour club started a year before with Mr J Brindle, the secretary of the Preston Power Loom Weavers and Winders Association, who discussed the other idea with other unionists. They wanted a place where they could discuss political movements of the time but also build community and relax after a long workday.
They agreed on Acregate Lane and soon found a plot of land for sale. However, the lady selling the land insisted that it was not be used for a public house (a pub) as the money from the sale was to go to the local church and charities. The unionists were able to get around this by claiming it was for a labour club and only open to private members. The land was soon secured and building began.
Although Brindle did believe the club could be a success, they originally built the club to be two houses so that they could easily convert the buildings back and sell them if it didn’t work. The club officially started in 1905 making it the oldest in Preston. This is also backed up by entries in their membership record which lists the first member on 3rd June 1905.
Building for the Future
By 1964 the club had 750 members and they decided they needed a new venue which could accommodate a wider range of activities such as snooker.
The committee decided to build on the land behind the houses. The two houses that were previously used were demolished to create a car park and the new building was equipped with a stage and a new bowling green. Some famous faces helped to build the club including Sir Tom Finney whose company completed the plumbing and glazing. It took 10 months to build and cost £50,000 (today’s equivalent of £1.2 million). Finally, in December 1965 the brand-new building opened its doors.
Bringing People Together
The club went on to host various events for the community including celebrations for the Preston Guild. Andrew Singleton, acting secretary of the Acregate Labour Club who shared some fascinating documents including old menus and programmes from the Guild celebrations. One edition from 1992 has lager prices starting from 34p and wine at 21p!
Andrew isn’t just the acting secretary and a committee member but also the resident DJ. Talking about the club, Andrew said “the club enables us to bring the community together and have a laugh which raises people’s spirits. We have events which members and non-members can come to like Christmas Bingo and fundraisers for charities like Macmillan. It’s great to just meet and have a chat with people.”
The club also hosts a President’s Day every year to celebrate the election of the new Committee President.
Changing with the Times
I also spoke with Bar Manager Lesley Dean who has worked at the club for 42 years; she has celebrated many milestones the including her 21st and 30th birthday. She talked about how the club has changed over the years. Lesley said that when she first started as a glass collector the women had to wait until the men left the bingo room until they could collect the glasses and that whilst women could work behind the bar they were not permitted to play.
A few years later, this changed, allowing women to join. The club now has around 600 members, with membership costing only £5 per year.
Like Andrew, Lesley also echoed how great the sense of community is at the club and that they have supported her through many life events. Lesley’s latest contribution to the club was to design the logo for their own ‘Acregate Club Lager’, which has become a bestseller!
But how are they celebrating the club that means so much to them?
On the 25th August the club will be having a celebration day which will include tombola, raffles and food from places such as the famous ‘hot potato tram’. There will be a range of indoor and outdoor activities as well as a visit from the Mayor who will open the celebrations. The day will run from 12-5pm, is free to attend and is open to everyone and with a variety of entertainment there will be something for everyone.
With 120 years of rich history behind it, the club continues to bring people together, so why not be part of the celebration on August 25th and experience the legacy for yourself?
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