£150,000 revamp for workingmen's club caught in 1970s time warp

A DALE workingmen’s club has been transformed thanks to a £150,000 scheme of works which has brought tired 1970s facilities into the 21st century.
The new-look upstairs function room was unveiled half a century after Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club first opened its doors.
While the ground floor bar are was revamped about a decade ago, the traditional concert room upstairs was caught in a time warp.
Assistant secretary Matthew Croom said the club drew up a business plan to develop the first floor facilities about 18 months ago.
As well as a comprehensive refurbishment scheme, there is now lift access for wheelchairs and those with mobility difficulties, a big screen, new stage, black-out blinds and a new-look bar and adjacent kitchen area.
The function room can cater for groups of up to 150 and one of the first to make use of the facilities was the Forcett and District Darts League, which held its presentation night there.
Mr Croom said the cost of the work had been met by the members of the club – there was no reliance of outside grants.
“It was a proper workingmen’s club and we decided to make a big investment into the club so it could host wedding’s funeral wakes, christenings and other function.
“Downstairs was done about ten years ago when a new bar was put in.
“We came up with the business plan for upstairs – and what a turn-around.”
He added: “As a workingmen’s club I think we are unique – it is a totally non-profit organisation.”
Chairman Terry McKie added: “Fifteen years ago, this place was on its knees, with a for sale sign on the building.
“This committee has turned it around.”
Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club now boasts a membership of some 600, who enjoy benefits such as the price of a pint which hasn’t risen for years.
The new-look function room will be shown off on Friday evening when it is officially unveiled.
Entertainment will be provided by the popular group Johnny and the Moondogs.