MEMORIES 292 ventured into Crook, and was particularly taken by the ornate Bargain Booze building on the main street. Many people, including Aaron Cowen, have got in touch to say that it was built in 1901 as the Constitutional Club.

This club was part of a national movement formed at the end of the 19th Century as the franchise was being widened. To be a member, you had to be a supporter of the Conservative Party, and the club was aimed at ensuring as many new voters as possible voted for the Tories.

Historically, there hasn’t been much call for Conservatives in Crook, which is probably why the splendid club building was for many years occupied by Northern Electric and now sells cheap booze.