A detailed History of The Harborne Club
Compiled by Derek Clarke for the Club´s Centenary year (first published in February 2000)
In a newspaper cutting of 17th November 1900 it was reported that earlier in the year the Harborne Conservative Club had ceased to exist and the remaining debenture holders were continuing as a Social Club for the benefit of the remaining members. The new Club being managed with a wide discretion, and it promises to be a permanent success.
This success has continued for 100 years, and as we enter our Centenary Year we believe the success story will continue. Indeed the membership levels during this 100 years have continued to grow to our present number of around 180.
Story has it that with the opening of the railway station, early in the last century for the Harborne Express, thereby providing a direct line between the city centre and Harborne, the members of earlier years found the premises in Albany Road to be a favoured watering hole before going home to their evening meal. As a result the Club came to be known as the Glue Pot (a name probably given to us by the band of wives at the time), and the title has remained with us to date.
The history of the Club is contained in a fair array of minute books, papers, and other jottings, and tonight we recall through selected extracts of some of the more important and interesting milestones belonging to the FIRST FIFTY YEARS.
1900
The new Club continued in the High Street premises of the former Conservative Club - address unknown.
1901
The first AGM is recorded as taking place on 25th November, again in the High Street premises.
1902
During this year the Club took a lease on the premises at 39 Albany Road, and the second AGM was held here on 1st December.
1903/1904
The third and fourth AGM's were combined as a single meeting - the minutes note the Auditors remuneration as 2 guineas.
1905
The AGM minutes record the death of John Horsley, who took the role of President from the first days.
1906
The secretary to have an annual salary of £5.
1907
No recorded events of note.
1908
The auditor notes a fall in profits, and the General Committee reduced his remuneration to £2 - no connection is inferred!
1909
17 members attended the AGM and agreed that the periodicals of the previous years be put up for auction. The secretary has an increase to £19 per annum, and the auditor's fee goes back to 2 guineas.
1910
A proposal to add The Strand Magazine to the regular periodicals was agreed. The AGM asked the General Committee to consider the refurbishment of the Billiard Room.
1911
Poor Billiard results promote a decision to examine the slate bed. The price of whisky is under review ( please note the commencement of many future discussions on this topic).
1912
Membership has now reached 70. General Committee asked to provide a superior brand of cigars; and The Vanity Fair to be purchased in place of Frys Magazine.
1913
Twelve months later and Frys Magazine is to be purchased again. No mention of the fate of The Vanity Fair.
1914
The Steward ( Mr Harris) to be given 2 guineas as a mark of appreciation.
The Smoking Concert to be held on 25th November.
1915
All members serving with HM Forces to be made Honorary Members.
1916
Stewards honorarium to be raised to 7 guineas
1917
Members wishing to play Billiards to list their names, and only to play one frame.
1918
Each member to pay a levy of 5 shillings - reason not recorded.
Presentation of a silver tankard to Mr Vale (President) as a slight appreciation of his services. Mr Alday receives a set of pipes, and Mr Marklow Snr a walking stick.
1919
Subscriptions to be increased to 1 guinea, and Steward to receive an extra 50 shillings a year.
1920
Prices of drinks to be reduced, wherever possible.
Important announcement - members to note that lease on premises expires on 24th June 1924.
1921
Club to look into desirability of purchasing premises, if circumstances are favourable.
1922
Special Members Meeting called for 18th May, to discuss advisability of purchasing premises - resolution passed to adjourn the decision for twelve months.
Members now permitted to play two games of Billiards/Snooker each evening.
1923
Special Members Meeting called for 16th April - Mr Osborne proposed and Mr Cairns seconded a resolution to buy the premises at a reasonable figure - carried unanimously.
Committee accepted apology from a member regarding verbal remarks made about them.
In April Club paid a deposit of £65 and subsequently purchased the premises for £650. Completion on 19th. June. Lloyds Bank to be approached regarding an overdraft.
Billiard matches arranged with Bearwood Club and Brand Hill Golf Club.
Card games - 4d before 10o/c, and 2d after.
Ping pong matches to be played - 1d a game.
1924
Donation Box to be provided to raise funds for purchase of premises.
Presentation of clock and walking stick to Sam Haugue, on his 70th birthday.
First club outing arranged to Stourport.
Sealed bids to be handed to secretary for sale of old carpet and rug.
1925
Membership limited to 90.Best bid for old carpet and rug realised £1.2s.6d.
Stewards Xmas Box Fund was £7.17s.0d.
Steward instructed to lay fires in Card Room each day, but only to light it on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Steward interviewed by committee following complaints, and instructed to obey orders of committee.
Club Dance to be held on last Friday of February - 3s. for single ticket, and 6s. for a couple.
House committee to buy a set of composition balls.
1926
Mr S Evans applied for membership, but he was blackballed.
A Sunday outing was run to Blackpool for the wives - great success.
Role of Honour Board for Presidents to be put up on premises.
All periodicals cancelled except Birmingham Daily Mail, Punch, Strand and Sketch, Football Mail and Argus.
1927
Committee to view The Croft in Ravenhurst Road regarding a purchase - too late.
Steward to be instructed on how to look after the till, but after another significant loss, was given a months notice.
OVERDRAFT CLEARED.
A Golf Section was formed. Whisky at the dance to be sold at 14s. a bottle, and 8d. a glass. Considerations regarding a house in Wentworth Road to be abandoned.
If any doubtful visitors are on the premises the bar to be closed for 20 minutes.
1928
Dinner to be arranged for the Skittles Match evening.
1929
Steward's (Mr Mason) wages raised to £3 a week.
Dances held at Harborne Baths and Severn Street.
Steward to buy half dozen cheap billiard cues from A Stockwin Co.
Fringes fitted to shades on Billiard table.
Outing to Blackpool fell through - lack of interest.
Question of extensions to premises downstairs shelved for the present.
Club windows to be opened more frequently.
1930
Building plans for extensions not approved by Council. Mr Archer, the architect, obtained three estimates - Sapcotes £936, Victor Danks £868, and Trow and Sons £740. Trow was approved with a time limit of 10 weeks. Lock on cash drawer to be renewed before work commences.
Steward to have an extra £1 a week for lodgings whilst building works in progress.
Second Billiard table purchased - £50 plus £5 for dissembling and assembling, and 10s. for carting.
Mr Beaumont given order for coal, at last years prices - one member objected. Could it have been Mr Beaumont or his competitor?
Vote of thanks to Alterations Sub-committee - work has been thoroughly, expeditiously and assiduously carried out - final cost £800.
1931
130 tickets sold for dance on 12th February, at Moorpool Hall - fairly successful as profit was £14.14s.10d.
Forthcoming budget may increase tax on whisky - committee agreed to order stock in advance at pre-budget prices, and allocated £100 for this purchase.
New mantlepiece fitted in Card Room at a cost of £9.
Members leaving the premises asked by committee to move away more quickly as police have been watching the premises recently.
Billiard table recovered with guaranteed cloth, but lines of slate now showing through.
Sandwiches to be provided for sale on Saturday evenings.
Committee agreed to send 5 guineas to Harborne Old Peoples Dinner Fund.
Committee recorded largest sale of Mild Ale in clubs history.
1932
Committees intention to keep Albany Road clear of cars after 10pm.
Mr Leornard offered his premises for free parking to members.
Rule for country members is that they should reside and their business premises be at least 12 miles away from the club.
1933
Harborne Club Benefit Fund instituted.
Beer prices reduced to match usual Smoke Room charges.
Agreed to install Lottery Machines with 50% of takings going to club.
Now wait for it -------- Tripe Supper held during September.
Closing times - no game to be commenced after 12.30am.
'Old English Night' was a great success.
1934
New vacuum purchased for 4 guineas; and new card tables purchased, and cushions recovered on both Billiard tables.
1935
Certain concerns expressed regarding Steward playing cards with members on his night off.
Club has been offered a settee in blue velvet at a cost of £6, considered suitable for the bar area.
Club to apply for an extension for the Jubilee Celebrations.
Dinner dance booked for next February at Farcroft Hotel.
1936
After 1st July membership entrance fee to be two and a half guineas.
Club now to close at midnight and no visitors to be admitted after 10pm.
Cost of Dumbarton whisky discussed - House Committee to buy in bulk.
1937
Corner chimney causing a problem advise to be sought.
Burroughs and Watts have completed a complete refurbishment of both Billiard tables at a cost of £51.15s.0d.
2 guineas sent to Harborne Coronation Decorations Committee; club premises also to be decorated.
Club purchased a ping pong table.
A proposal to revert back to Bass's Bitter was not carried.
As from 1 January 1938 membership closed until further notice.
1938
Agreed that balance of Xmas Charity collections be used to open a separate account - 'Necessitous Cases'.
Two new sets of Snooker balls purchased.
Piano to be disposed of and new table purchased.
Visitors now not to be brought into the club after 9.30pm.
Next dance to be held at the New Inns, Handsworth.
Blue velvet settee recovered in red hide to match new armchairs.
President referred to the generosity of Mr S Mitchley in supplying the Beef and Boars Head for the Daily Mail Auction, without any payment.
1939
Mr Bowater gave a handsome cup for the Snooker Handicap.
Considering alterations to Card Room to extend Bar area, later in year agreed to hold in abeyance.
Air Raid shelter erected at a cost of 30s.
Mr Frost arranged for Harper & Sons to black out the windows.
Discussed assistance for Steward and insisted there should be no interference from the late Stewardess!
Again any member serving in HM Forces to be an Honorary member for duration of service.
1940
100 cigarettes to be sent each month to serving members and their sons.
Agreed to purchase only cloth for the Billiard tables on condition that Burruoghs and Watts could organise mothproof packing.
Presidenr asked if in exchange for the table tennis table a plug could be provided for his electric clock.
All bank accounts changed to Midland Bank.
Cellar strengthened to be used as an Air Raid shelter.
Mr Mason resigned as Steward and was presented with a case of pipes for his 14 years service.
His sister, a Mrs Harris, was appointed as Stewardess, on the same wages.
1941
Chimney was raised to prevent smoking.
All three quarter cues have been given to the ARP for the period.
In view of the warning regarding whisky shortages, all wholesale purchases have ceased.
Finance Committee to look into question of house for sale in Ravenhurst Road.
1942
House in Ravenhurst Road out of question for club.
Problem regarding whisky consumption - 15 bottles supplied but 25 used per month - what can be done to conserve the cellar stocks? Visitors to be restricted from club, except members relatives in forces; no new members at present; and only 4 measures a day per member.
Later the committee said that the 4 measures per day could only be other spirits.
Later supplies halved so measures reduced to 2 per day.
Then House Committee to arrange allocations.
5s. a week paid to Steward as war bonus.
Mr Robins of 389 Harborne Road elected a member in June.
Further difficulty with whisky supplies - no transport available.
The club buy a safe.
After usual charity donations, £30.18s.od. sent to Soldiers Fund.
1943
Decided Steward could have a night off.
Purchased £100 worth of 3% Defence Bonds.
President referred to Wings for Victory Week, and sought opinions for subscribing through the 'Vine Bowling Club'.
Mrs Swain offered the position of new Steward, following resignation of previous Steward.
A further donation of £50 made to Soldiers Fund - the club had 24 members overseas and 19 on home duties. Each was sent a £1 for Christmas.
Lead pipes on beer engines changed to stainless steel by Gaskell & Chambers.
NOW whisky sales were too large - during a 5 week period 64 bottles were consumed.
1944
Whisky sales outstretching cellar stock; notice displayed 'no whisky to be taken off premises' - without permission of committee!
Further decisions - only 6 bottles a month were available for sale, and no whisky to be sold before 6.30pm. These measures apparently resolved the crisis.
Concrete, chippings, and re-inforcing steel delivered to renew the cellar floor.
Gas jet in Billiard room burnt the curtains - a guard was provided, and the insurance doubled to the pre war level.
Rose Road Aid Station were loaned a few billiard cues.
On Saturday evenings snooker games were restricted to singles only.
Bring and Buy Sale held in September to raise funds for Soldiers Box.
In November the blackout paint was removed from the windows.
Mr Beaumont gave a cup for Snooker Competition, old one used for Darts Event.
1945
Suggestion that Billiards Room be heated using radiators in roof.
At May meeting President referred to end of war in Europe, and hoped war with Japan would also come to a successful conclusion - he thanked members for loyal cooperation and support during the long period of difficulty.
Victory Dinner & Dance held on 23 October, for members and one friend - free of charge.
Club unable to proceed with the outside painting, as a licence could not be obtained from the Building Surveyor.
Following a complaint from an Albany Road resident, members asked not to park in Albany Road.
Steward was allowed to play Snooker with another member in the event of no other member being available.
In December licence received for the outside painting - valid for two months.
1946
Overheard conversation about a Country member who was attending the club too frequently - the offender was asked to become a full member.
Freehold of club and adjoining premises to be sold on 7th. March; auctioneer to be approached to arrange an offer for purchase - a limit of £1000 proposed.
Soldiers Fund practically cleared out, having paid out £250.
37 members or sons have been demobilised.
Bottles of Scotch and Gin borrowed from the club and not replaced - the matter was dealt with.
Cut in supplies of beer - committee used discretion to ration beer sales - again no visitors until further notice; the exception being ex service sons of members.
Beer sales - bar only serving from 7 to 8pm, and 9 to 9.45pm.
Suggestion Book placed on bar counter as from 1st November.
Question of drawing beer - it took twelve months to obtain an even two way switch.
Cloth stretched on Billiard tables.
Steward gave notice in November, and advert was placed in Birmingham Post.
Charge for playing cards was abolished.
New Steward appointed - Mr Bridgewater - and agreement signed, subject to one months notice eitherway.
1947
M & B advised no more Port and Sherry after 15 March.
Whisky supplies down again to 14 bottles a month.
Air Raid shelter made into store for empties, Coalite and logs at a labour cost of 37 hours @ 2s. per hour.
The Pier Glass was cut and put up again........... ???????
Complaint received that some magazines were taken away as soon as delivered.
Resolution taken that a half bottle only of whisky be opened at 8.30pm.
126 tickets sold for Dinner Dance in March.
No cloth available for Billiard tables.
Members requested a better supply of Mild.
Whisky supplies reduced to 6 bottles a month and clubs cellar stock is only 38. Brewery to give favourable consideration to improving supplies - committee felt club would be given preferential treatment.
Beer supplies ran out on one night per week.
New magazine ordered - Goegraphical American.
1948
79 attended Dinner for service members.
Members complaining regarding shortage of draught beers.
Bridge tournament suggested.
Insurance taken out to protect Steward against injury.
Suggestion Book - a goods lift serving the Billiards Room, and try new beers such as Bass.
Enquiries to M & B resulted in no strong ale being available, so 2 dozen Barclays Strong were purchased for a trial.
New Wilton laid in bar area at a cost of £30.
1949
Question raised regarding a party to Dudley Hippodrome, but after an expression that the show was 'lousey', the question was dropped.
Visitors were welcomed back to the club, but not permitted to play Billiards or Snooker.
New curtains fitted by Lewis's, but due to them being transparent the old ones were cleaned and attached to the back of the new ones.
Whisky supplies now available and being purchased.
The inadequacy of the electric fire at the baulk end was resolved by the fitting of a new anthracite stove.
A suggestion to provide a television set was deferred to a later period.
1950
Ladies Night held in March.
Money in the telephone box not covering the costs - members reminded of need to enter toll trunk calls in the Stewards book.
No further country members to be elected. Purchased £300 worth of 3% Defense Bonds.
As an experiment Ansells Mild being tried.
Mr C Beaumont tendered his resignation as the club Almoner.
The President reminded everyone that 1950 was the Jubilee year of the club and should be duely celebrated.
In a newspaper cutting of 17th November 1900 it was reported that earlier in the year the Harborne Conservative Club had ceased to exist and the remaining debenture holders were continuing as a Social Club for the benefit of the remaining members. The new Club being managed with a wide discretion, and it promises to be a permanent success.
This success has continued for 100 years, and as we enter our Centenary Year we believe the success story will continue. Indeed the membership levels during this 100 years have continued to grow to our present number of around 180.
Story has it that with the opening of the railway station, early in the last century for the Harborne Express, thereby providing a direct line between the city centre and Harborne, the members of earlier years found the premises in Albany Road to be a favoured watering hole before going home to their evening meal. As a result the Club came to be known as the Glue Pot (a name probably given to us by the band of wives at the time), and the title has remained with us to date.
The history of the Club is contained in a fair array of minute books, papers, and other jottings, and tonight we recall through selected extracts of some of the more important and interesting milestones belonging to the FIRST FIFTY YEARS.
1900
The new Club continued in the High Street premises of the former Conservative Club - address unknown.
1901
The first AGM is recorded as taking place on 25th November, again in the High Street premises.
1902
During this year the Club took a lease on the premises at 39 Albany Road, and the second AGM was held here on 1st December.
1903/1904
The third and fourth AGM's were combined as a single meeting - the minutes note the Auditors remuneration as 2 guineas.
1905
The AGM minutes record the death of John Horsley, who took the role of President from the first days.
1906
The secretary to have an annual salary of £5.
1907
No recorded events of note.
1908
The auditor notes a fall in profits, and the General Committee reduced his remuneration to £2 - no connection is inferred!
1909
17 members attended the AGM and agreed that the periodicals of the previous years be put up for auction. The secretary has an increase to £19 per annum, and the auditor's fee goes back to 2 guineas.
1910
A proposal to add The Strand Magazine to the regular periodicals was agreed. The AGM asked the General Committee to consider the refurbishment of the Billiard Room.
1911
Poor Billiard results promote a decision to examine the slate bed. The price of whisky is under review ( please note the commencement of many future discussions on this topic).
1912
Membership has now reached 70. General Committee asked to provide a superior brand of cigars; and The Vanity Fair to be purchased in place of Frys Magazine.
1913
Twelve months later and Frys Magazine is to be purchased again. No mention of the fate of The Vanity Fair.
1914
The Steward ( Mr Harris) to be given 2 guineas as a mark of appreciation.
The Smoking Concert to be held on 25th November.
1915
All members serving with HM Forces to be made Honorary Members.
1916
Stewards honorarium to be raised to 7 guineas
1917
Members wishing to play Billiards to list their names, and only to play one frame.
1918
Each member to pay a levy of 5 shillings - reason not recorded.
Presentation of a silver tankard to Mr Vale (President) as a slight appreciation of his services. Mr Alday receives a set of pipes, and Mr Marklow Snr a walking stick.
1919
Subscriptions to be increased to 1 guinea, and Steward to receive an extra 50 shillings a year.
1920
Prices of drinks to be reduced, wherever possible.
Important announcement - members to note that lease on premises expires on 24th June 1924.
1921
Club to look into desirability of purchasing premises, if circumstances are favourable.
1922
Special Members Meeting called for 18th May, to discuss advisability of purchasing premises - resolution passed to adjourn the decision for twelve months.
Members now permitted to play two games of Billiards/Snooker each evening.
1923
Special Members Meeting called for 16th April - Mr Osborne proposed and Mr Cairns seconded a resolution to buy the premises at a reasonable figure - carried unanimously.
Committee accepted apology from a member regarding verbal remarks made about them.
In April Club paid a deposit of £65 and subsequently purchased the premises for £650. Completion on 19th. June. Lloyds Bank to be approached regarding an overdraft.
Billiard matches arranged with Bearwood Club and Brand Hill Golf Club.
Card games - 4d before 10o/c, and 2d after.
Ping pong matches to be played - 1d a game.
1924
Donation Box to be provided to raise funds for purchase of premises.
Presentation of clock and walking stick to Sam Haugue, on his 70th birthday.
First club outing arranged to Stourport.
Sealed bids to be handed to secretary for sale of old carpet and rug.
1925
Membership limited to 90.Best bid for old carpet and rug realised £1.2s.6d.
Stewards Xmas Box Fund was £7.17s.0d.
Steward instructed to lay fires in Card Room each day, but only to light it on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Steward interviewed by committee following complaints, and instructed to obey orders of committee.
Club Dance to be held on last Friday of February - 3s. for single ticket, and 6s. for a couple.
House committee to buy a set of composition balls.
1926
Mr S Evans applied for membership, but he was blackballed.
A Sunday outing was run to Blackpool for the wives - great success.
Role of Honour Board for Presidents to be put up on premises.
All periodicals cancelled except Birmingham Daily Mail, Punch, Strand and Sketch, Football Mail and Argus.
1927
Committee to view The Croft in Ravenhurst Road regarding a purchase - too late.
Steward to be instructed on how to look after the till, but after another significant loss, was given a months notice.
OVERDRAFT CLEARED.
A Golf Section was formed. Whisky at the dance to be sold at 14s. a bottle, and 8d. a glass. Considerations regarding a house in Wentworth Road to be abandoned.
If any doubtful visitors are on the premises the bar to be closed for 20 minutes.
1928
Dinner to be arranged for the Skittles Match evening.
1929
Steward's (Mr Mason) wages raised to £3 a week.
Dances held at Harborne Baths and Severn Street.
Steward to buy half dozen cheap billiard cues from A Stockwin Co.
Fringes fitted to shades on Billiard table.
Outing to Blackpool fell through - lack of interest.
Question of extensions to premises downstairs shelved for the present.
Club windows to be opened more frequently.
1930
Building plans for extensions not approved by Council. Mr Archer, the architect, obtained three estimates - Sapcotes £936, Victor Danks £868, and Trow and Sons £740. Trow was approved with a time limit of 10 weeks. Lock on cash drawer to be renewed before work commences.
Steward to have an extra £1 a week for lodgings whilst building works in progress.
Second Billiard table purchased - £50 plus £5 for dissembling and assembling, and 10s. for carting.
Mr Beaumont given order for coal, at last years prices - one member objected. Could it have been Mr Beaumont or his competitor?
Vote of thanks to Alterations Sub-committee - work has been thoroughly, expeditiously and assiduously carried out - final cost £800.
1931
130 tickets sold for dance on 12th February, at Moorpool Hall - fairly successful as profit was £14.14s.10d.
Forthcoming budget may increase tax on whisky - committee agreed to order stock in advance at pre-budget prices, and allocated £100 for this purchase.
New mantlepiece fitted in Card Room at a cost of £9.
Members leaving the premises asked by committee to move away more quickly as police have been watching the premises recently.
Billiard table recovered with guaranteed cloth, but lines of slate now showing through.
Sandwiches to be provided for sale on Saturday evenings.
Committee agreed to send 5 guineas to Harborne Old Peoples Dinner Fund.
Committee recorded largest sale of Mild Ale in clubs history.
1932
Committees intention to keep Albany Road clear of cars after 10pm.
Mr Leornard offered his premises for free parking to members.
Rule for country members is that they should reside and their business premises be at least 12 miles away from the club.
1933
Harborne Club Benefit Fund instituted.
Beer prices reduced to match usual Smoke Room charges.
Agreed to install Lottery Machines with 50% of takings going to club.
Now wait for it -------- Tripe Supper held during September.
Closing times - no game to be commenced after 12.30am.
'Old English Night' was a great success.
1934
New vacuum purchased for 4 guineas; and new card tables purchased, and cushions recovered on both Billiard tables.
1935
Certain concerns expressed regarding Steward playing cards with members on his night off.
Club has been offered a settee in blue velvet at a cost of £6, considered suitable for the bar area.
Club to apply for an extension for the Jubilee Celebrations.
Dinner dance booked for next February at Farcroft Hotel.
1936
After 1st July membership entrance fee to be two and a half guineas.
Club now to close at midnight and no visitors to be admitted after 10pm.
Cost of Dumbarton whisky discussed - House Committee to buy in bulk.
1937
Corner chimney causing a problem advise to be sought.
Burroughs and Watts have completed a complete refurbishment of both Billiard tables at a cost of £51.15s.0d.
2 guineas sent to Harborne Coronation Decorations Committee; club premises also to be decorated.
Club purchased a ping pong table.
A proposal to revert back to Bass's Bitter was not carried.
As from 1 January 1938 membership closed until further notice.
1938
Agreed that balance of Xmas Charity collections be used to open a separate account - 'Necessitous Cases'.
Two new sets of Snooker balls purchased.
Piano to be disposed of and new table purchased.
Visitors now not to be brought into the club after 9.30pm.
Next dance to be held at the New Inns, Handsworth.
Blue velvet settee recovered in red hide to match new armchairs.
President referred to the generosity of Mr S Mitchley in supplying the Beef and Boars Head for the Daily Mail Auction, without any payment.
1939
Mr Bowater gave a handsome cup for the Snooker Handicap.
Considering alterations to Card Room to extend Bar area, later in year agreed to hold in abeyance.
Air Raid shelter erected at a cost of 30s.
Mr Frost arranged for Harper & Sons to black out the windows.
Discussed assistance for Steward and insisted there should be no interference from the late Stewardess!
Again any member serving in HM Forces to be an Honorary member for duration of service.
1940
100 cigarettes to be sent each month to serving members and their sons.
Agreed to purchase only cloth for the Billiard tables on condition that Burruoghs and Watts could organise mothproof packing.
Presidenr asked if in exchange for the table tennis table a plug could be provided for his electric clock.
All bank accounts changed to Midland Bank.
Cellar strengthened to be used as an Air Raid shelter.
Mr Mason resigned as Steward and was presented with a case of pipes for his 14 years service.
His sister, a Mrs Harris, was appointed as Stewardess, on the same wages.
1941
Chimney was raised to prevent smoking.
All three quarter cues have been given to the ARP for the period.
In view of the warning regarding whisky shortages, all wholesale purchases have ceased.
Finance Committee to look into question of house for sale in Ravenhurst Road.
1942
House in Ravenhurst Road out of question for club.
Problem regarding whisky consumption - 15 bottles supplied but 25 used per month - what can be done to conserve the cellar stocks? Visitors to be restricted from club, except members relatives in forces; no new members at present; and only 4 measures a day per member.
Later the committee said that the 4 measures per day could only be other spirits.
Later supplies halved so measures reduced to 2 per day.
Then House Committee to arrange allocations.
5s. a week paid to Steward as war bonus.
Mr Robins of 389 Harborne Road elected a member in June.
Further difficulty with whisky supplies - no transport available.
The club buy a safe.
After usual charity donations, £30.18s.od. sent to Soldiers Fund.
1943
Decided Steward could have a night off.
Purchased £100 worth of 3% Defence Bonds.
President referred to Wings for Victory Week, and sought opinions for subscribing through the 'Vine Bowling Club'.
Mrs Swain offered the position of new Steward, following resignation of previous Steward.
A further donation of £50 made to Soldiers Fund - the club had 24 members overseas and 19 on home duties. Each was sent a £1 for Christmas.
Lead pipes on beer engines changed to stainless steel by Gaskell & Chambers.
NOW whisky sales were too large - during a 5 week period 64 bottles were consumed.
1944
Whisky sales outstretching cellar stock; notice displayed 'no whisky to be taken off premises' - without permission of committee!
Further decisions - only 6 bottles a month were available for sale, and no whisky to be sold before 6.30pm. These measures apparently resolved the crisis.
Concrete, chippings, and re-inforcing steel delivered to renew the cellar floor.
Gas jet in Billiard room burnt the curtains - a guard was provided, and the insurance doubled to the pre war level.
Rose Road Aid Station were loaned a few billiard cues.
On Saturday evenings snooker games were restricted to singles only.
Bring and Buy Sale held in September to raise funds for Soldiers Box.
In November the blackout paint was removed from the windows.
Mr Beaumont gave a cup for Snooker Competition, old one used for Darts Event.
1945
Suggestion that Billiards Room be heated using radiators in roof.
At May meeting President referred to end of war in Europe, and hoped war with Japan would also come to a successful conclusion - he thanked members for loyal cooperation and support during the long period of difficulty.
Victory Dinner & Dance held on 23 October, for members and one friend - free of charge.
Club unable to proceed with the outside painting, as a licence could not be obtained from the Building Surveyor.
Following a complaint from an Albany Road resident, members asked not to park in Albany Road.
Steward was allowed to play Snooker with another member in the event of no other member being available.
In December licence received for the outside painting - valid for two months.
1946
Overheard conversation about a Country member who was attending the club too frequently - the offender was asked to become a full member.
Freehold of club and adjoining premises to be sold on 7th. March; auctioneer to be approached to arrange an offer for purchase - a limit of £1000 proposed.
Soldiers Fund practically cleared out, having paid out £250.
37 members or sons have been demobilised.
Bottles of Scotch and Gin borrowed from the club and not replaced - the matter was dealt with.
Cut in supplies of beer - committee used discretion to ration beer sales - again no visitors until further notice; the exception being ex service sons of members.
Beer sales - bar only serving from 7 to 8pm, and 9 to 9.45pm.
Suggestion Book placed on bar counter as from 1st November.
Question of drawing beer - it took twelve months to obtain an even two way switch.
Cloth stretched on Billiard tables.
Steward gave notice in November, and advert was placed in Birmingham Post.
Charge for playing cards was abolished.
New Steward appointed - Mr Bridgewater - and agreement signed, subject to one months notice eitherway.
1947
M & B advised no more Port and Sherry after 15 March.
Whisky supplies down again to 14 bottles a month.
Air Raid shelter made into store for empties, Coalite and logs at a labour cost of 37 hours @ 2s. per hour.
The Pier Glass was cut and put up again........... ???????
Complaint received that some magazines were taken away as soon as delivered.
Resolution taken that a half bottle only of whisky be opened at 8.30pm.
126 tickets sold for Dinner Dance in March.
No cloth available for Billiard tables.
Members requested a better supply of Mild.
Whisky supplies reduced to 6 bottles a month and clubs cellar stock is only 38. Brewery to give favourable consideration to improving supplies - committee felt club would be given preferential treatment.
Beer supplies ran out on one night per week.
New magazine ordered - Goegraphical American.
1948
79 attended Dinner for service members.
Members complaining regarding shortage of draught beers.
Bridge tournament suggested.
Insurance taken out to protect Steward against injury.
Suggestion Book - a goods lift serving the Billiards Room, and try new beers such as Bass.
Enquiries to M & B resulted in no strong ale being available, so 2 dozen Barclays Strong were purchased for a trial.
New Wilton laid in bar area at a cost of £30.
1949
Question raised regarding a party to Dudley Hippodrome, but after an expression that the show was 'lousey', the question was dropped.
Visitors were welcomed back to the club, but not permitted to play Billiards or Snooker.
New curtains fitted by Lewis's, but due to them being transparent the old ones were cleaned and attached to the back of the new ones.
Whisky supplies now available and being purchased.
The inadequacy of the electric fire at the baulk end was resolved by the fitting of a new anthracite stove.
A suggestion to provide a television set was deferred to a later period.
1950
Ladies Night held in March.
Money in the telephone box not covering the costs - members reminded of need to enter toll trunk calls in the Stewards book.
No further country members to be elected. Purchased £300 worth of 3% Defense Bonds.
As an experiment Ansells Mild being tried.
Mr C Beaumont tendered his resignation as the club Almoner.
The President reminded everyone that 1950 was the Jubilee year of the club and should be duely celebrated.