For the last century a workingmen's club has bucked the trend of closures to remain as buoyant as it ever was.

Now the dedicated team behind the social venue in Baddeley Green are preparing for a special weekend-long party to mark its 100th birthday.

The long-standing Leek New Road facility looks substantially different from the hut-type structure it operated in back in July 1919.

Extensions over the last century have seen it grow to the point it now has a sprawling function room and bars along with a revamped bowling green.

The venue plays host to a number of different groups

But it had to overcome serious financial pressures around a decade ago when thousands were owed before new leadership came to breathe fresh life into the venue.

Baddeley Green Workingmen's Club became CIU (Club & Institute Union) affiliated on July 5, 1919, following the tireless work of group of local men.

Life-long Baddeley Green resident Ant Munday became involved with the club around 10 years ago as part of a new team looking to turn its fortunes around.

Ant, who arrived with Dave Perkin taking on the role of secretary, said: "We were asked about getting more involved and had to look at the business case of the club. There were unpaid bills amounting to £20,000 and more than £50,000 remaining to pay off on a brewery loan.

"I just rang around the creditors asking them to stick with us until we could get up and running."

Those challenging early days went on to become a distant memory as the club was reborn with former Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Ant, lining up various gigs and shows at the club which brought in the weekend crowds.

A historic certificate at the venue

With the bowling green up and running again that drew even more customers.  The club now plays host to not only bowls but the popular Stoke FIT Running Club, a homing pigeon racing club, an over 55s group, a walking club, line dancing, Zumba, yoga, Slimming World, and a competing quiz team.

In addition it also hosts a football team, Stoke Town, who play in the Coors League on a Sunday morning. There are also pool and darts outfits.

Ant said: "I had been a member since about 1978 when I was 18 and my father, Mike, was a former president and my grandfather, Tommy Boulton, was around when it opened in 1919. We have four generations here and it's like that with a lot of people."

While many pubs and clubs have shut due to social changes along with the cost of alcohol in shops coupled with the nationwide smoking ban, Baddeley Green has continued. Ant said: "It's become a real community facility. Between October and February we recorded record bar takings.

Former Lord Mayor Anthony Munday... a Stoke fan whatever he's wearing
Ant during his time as Mayor

"I just loved to see it being used by so many people."

Secretary and treasurer Dave Perkin is delighted to see the club thrive. Dave, of Baddeley Green, a teaching assistant specialising in maths, said: "When we came in Ant looked at the entertainment and I looked at the finances.

"We have had some top acts here, and many don't usually play workingmen's clubs but they know we look after them and are happy to come back.

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"We also do private functions as well and provide that to the community. The enjoyment I get is seeing the community benefiting from the facility."

To mark its 100th birthday, members are being offered free admission for a special celebratory weekend between Friday, July 5 and Sunday, July 7 with gigs and a beer festival.

Baddeley Green Workingmen's Club on Leek New Road

Organisers will also be putting together a history of the venue are are appealing for anyone with photographs to get them sent in.

What the birthday weekend at Baddeley Green Workingmen's Club involves

Friday, July 5: Rock band Trafford Park will take the stage while DJ Phil Ankers will also be providing the entertainment. In additional there will be a ladies clothing sale in the front room

Saturday, July 6: The Sound Party will perform while there will also be bingo

Sunday, July 7: A crown green bowls competition will be held and is a doubles tournament for members only. At night the club will host comedy and singing duo Young and Foolish.

A beer festival will also run throughout the weekend. Meanwhile tickets for all three nights are available to non-members priced at £5 per person, per night and are available from June 14. Members can still claim free tickets after that date - subject to availablility.

Gill Holdway is one of the hard-working committee members who work to keep the club popular.

The 56-year-old, of Baddeley Green, whose husband Keith runs a pigeon club at the venue, said: "We're so pleased with how things have gone over the last few years – Ant and Dave have done so much good work.

"It's become a real community place."

Anyone with old photographs should e-mail them to Ant on antmunday@gmail.com.

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