The Woppies
Located on the present-day site of the Derwent Walk car park in Rowlands Gill, the 'Woppies' - or the British Legion 'Pleasant Social Club' to give it it's official name - was a club popular with residents of the Bottoms.
Unlike the 'Vale' on Burnopfield Road, there was no membership requirement for the 'Woppies' - it's unofficial name possibly coming from the fact that surrounded by woodland and countless broom bushes, the location was often full of wasps - or 'woppies/wappys' in local terms.
Unlike the 'Vale' on Burnopfield Road, there was no membership requirement for the 'Woppies' - it's unofficial name possibly coming from the fact that surrounded by woodland and countless broom bushes, the location was often full of wasps - or 'woppies/wappys' in local terms.
The patrons of the Woppies tended to inlcude more the younger generation and women and served as a club house/changing rooms for the Rowlands Gill football team who then had just to cross the road and nip down the bank to their pitch.
"I can remember the football team playing on pitch at the Bottoms. My mother Lucy Hagan and Violet Fairless used to make the 'Oxo'for half time and wash the strip." recalls James Hagan who's family lived in Strathmore Terrace.
"I can remember the football team playing on pitch at the Bottoms. My mother Lucy Hagan and Violet Fairless used to make the 'Oxo'for half time and wash the strip." recalls James Hagan who's family lived in Strathmore Terrace.
Some may remember the late 40s and 50s, at the time of the 'Hoppings' in Newcastle, when a few fun-fair rides would set up by the club, whilst others may recall the giant bonfires held there in the late fifties, the formidable shale path and many a cut knee sustained there along with the stable where Mr Balls,the local fruit and veg seller, kept his horse...
The Woppies was also a common venue for two, talented local singers, Arnold Carter and Bob Fairless who entertained many an audience there, and Sunday mornings were popular as “There was a room downstairs where people could get up to sing in exchange for a couple of pints”, recalls John Parker Clasper.
This photo of the Woppies - looking somewhat derelict - can be dated c.1966 with the remains of the recently closed Barcus Close Colliery visible rear right.