TWO GATES CLUB
|
|
Extension Opens£50,000 extension opens.13th June 1972 -- Extensions costing £50,000 at Two Gates Working Men's Club brought praise for far sighted committee members at the official opening on Tuesday night. The praise was voiced by guest speakers led by Tamworth's Mayor, Alderman Bill Newbury, who performed the opening ceremony by turning a key in the new entrance doors. In a pact concert room later he congratulated club officials and committee members on going ahead with the ambitious scheme, bringing the premises up to the standards needed for the 70s. Alderman Newbury, who was introduced by club president, Mr. John Goldsworthy said: "Tamworth is undergoing a period of considerable transformation, with new schools, shops and factories appearing. "This transformation is nowhere more apparent than in out town's licensed clubs." Until recently, Alderman Newbury said, some licensed clubs in the area had not kept pace with the general improvements in Tamworth. "But this club is now second to none for comfort.", he added. Main features of the extensions designed in a modern style but using traditional materials is a 60 feet by 40 feet concert room with a full width bar, a large stage with space beneath for furniture storage, and dressing rooms with a stage door entrance for artists. A new entrance, secretary's office and toilets are also provided. CHILDREN'S ROOM The original club building, opened in 1903, has been given a complete face-lift. What was the concert room has become a games room and bar, and the other rooms are now used as a lounge and children's room-- the first at Tamworth Workingmen's club. Club membership has more than doubled over the last 10 years and the improvement scheme has brought a dramatic influx of new members over the last few weeks. Secretary, Mr. Geoff Chadwick said "We now have over 600 paid-up members and the number is rising all the time." At the opening ceremony, which was followed by concert entertainment, architect Mr. Dennis Gwilliam said the design of the new building had been dictated by road widening requirements for the A5 trunk road and Dosthill Road. "We are grateful for the assistance of officers of Tamworth Borough Council, the County Planning Department and the highway authority and others who had to discuss and agree problems of road widening and layout" he said. WORTHWHILE Mr. Gwilliam told members and guests "It is only when you see a building occupied by a lot of people--and a lot of people enjoying themselves--that the whole project becomes really worthwhile." He said the club could pride itself on a "first-class committee" which had done an excellent job. Mr. Gwilliam also thanked the general contractors, George Linnecor and son (Midlands) of Wilnecote Lane, Belgrave. Other speakers were Mr. Charles Havercroft, sales consultant to Davenport Brewery Ltd., one of the club's main suppliers, and Mr. Harry Shaw, chairman of the Warwickshire branch of the club and institute union. Guests also included Mr. Dennis Lloyd, a director of the building company and Mr. Jim Cook, C.I.U. National Executive Officer. The mayor of Tamworth Alderman Bill Newbury turns a key in the new entrance to officially open the extension.
The official report from the Tamworth Herald 16th June 1972
A view of the new concert room and stage from the full-width bar
The Steward and Stewardess--Mr.. Cyril Dean and his wife, Joyce. They have been pulling pints at the club for three years. |
|
Send mail to
club@twogates.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
