The Vale of Derwent Social Club
The Vale of Derwent Social Club, which still exists today, although not in it's original location, has been a feature of the area which was in the vicinity of the Bottoms for well over a century: "The plans for the original ... club were passed by the council on April 18th 1902". (Source: Rowlands Gill Facebook page)
The club can be seen where it first stood - the building to the left - in the photo above which can be dated c.1905 given to the rear of the toll house we see T. A. Turnbull's joiners' workshops (built 1905) under construction.
Working men's clubs started to appear in the late nineteenth century and were registered under the Friendly Societies Act with trustees, committee men and subscription-paying members. Originally set up for meetings, recreation, along with mental and social improvement, many became establishments where men would meet to drink and socialise, hold annual leek and vegetable shows and watch entertainment acts organised by the committee.
It's original location, as seen in the two photos above, was just left of 'The Shop' and a short climb up the bank for residents of the Bottoms - there being a set of stairs in between the two buildings, as visible in the photo to the right..
Nancy Morland who grew up in Gibside Street had her wedding 'do' in the downstairs room at the Vale when she got married in March 1960, the club still at it's first location at that time. The bar in the Vale, as was the rule in most social clubs, was 'men only', and whilst in the early days clubs were only frequented by men, by the late fifties things were starting to change. Nora Henderson who moved to the Bottoms in 1957 after she got married, remembers going to the Vale to play bingo.
Patrons of the 'Vale' raise a glass and include: first row; Jimmy Clasper (far right), Mr. Willougby (next to him), middle row Joe Gosling (far right), Mr; Donnelly (next to him), Mr. Bewley (centre), back row: Mr. Patterson (second right), Mr. Stafford (next to him). (Source: photo and names - John Parker Clasper).
In later years; around 1962/63, the premises of this popular local, 'members only', social club was relocated further along Burnopfield Road to it's present day position.
The photo above left shows the entrance to the club. Robin Goodfellow recognised his dad 'Robin Goodfellow senior' as the man standing left by the scooter.
Robin's dad, a member of the Vale, worked at all the local mines: Lilley Drift, Friarside and Barcus Close. His grandfather moved from Cowan Terrace to the Bottoms after the first World War.
Robin's dad, a member of the Vale, worked at all the local mines: Lilley Drift, Friarside and Barcus Close. His grandfather moved from Cowan Terrace to the Bottoms after the first World War.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Commissioned by the committee members of the Vale of Derwent Social Club, the above 'Roll of Honour' for the First World War was unveiled May 8th 1920. The above photo is that which appeared in the Illustrated Chronicle on May 10th 1920. On this occassion a gold watch was presented to Corporal J. Brown and Mr. R. Yeoman (seated right) was awarded a gold medal in recognition of services rendered as Secretary of the Club.
The 'Roll of Honour' seen in this photo still hangs in the club today.
The 'Roll of Honour' seen in this photo still hangs in the club today.