A new era is starting for a working men’s club which has been part of its community for more than a century.
The East End Working Men’s Club in Darlington has relocated from its Bank Top venue to Parkgate ahead of the redevelopment of the area around the train station.
The club’s new venue at the former Cricketers Hotel, which has been empty for a number of years, was officially opened on Monday after undergoing an £8,000 renovation.
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Paul Gill, who runs the club with his partner Michelle, said: “I’m glad it’s happened now and we can get on and look to the future for the club.
“We’ve had some good feedback. Everyone said it looked really nice and fresh and I’m happy with that.”
He added: “Fingers crossed for the future. If it goes like last night then we will be there for a long time – hopefully another 108 years.”
The club was officially reopened by Darlington drag queen Miss Annbag, AKA Peter Miller, who pulled the first pint for long standing member Lisa Bingham.
The first night was devoted to a fives and threes tournament – the usual Monday night activity at the club.
The venue in Neasham Road, close to Darlington railway station, had its emotional last night on Sunday.
The club is being demolished as part of plans to redevelop the station.
It has been there since 1914 and has been part of the community for 108 years.
Mr Gill thanked members for their support.
He added: “I’d like to thank Phil and Mike who did 90 per cent of the work to get us open and he did it for free.
“All of our members have to thank them.
“If we didn’t have members like that we would have struggled.”
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He also thanked Darlington Borough Council, which purchased the Bank Top venue several years ago when it was on the brink of closure and Mayor of Darlington Councillor Anne-Marie Curry, who cut the ribbon on Monday.
The club will be retaining its existing programme of bingo nights, music and games nights at the new venue.
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