The popular Audco Social Club has been wound up – bringing an end to 63 years of history in Newport.
Members voted to dissolve the Bellman’s Yard club last week – despite being granted planning permission to move into the neighbouring Advertiser Printing Works.
Members felt that the increased charges at the disused factory made the move unviable.
The club’s 46 members will meet for one last time on Sunday before the building is stripped.
Secretary Nev Garmson, who has been involved with the club under its different guises for over 30 years, said it will be a big loss to the town.
He said: “Members thought that moving to the Advertiser building was too much of a financial risk.
“It’s frustrating because we’d just had verbal confirmation that our planning application was going to be approved. Then members had a u-turn, but I still believe we could have done it. Some people have played snooker at the club as children and grown up there. It’s a big loss for the town and there will be a few tears on Sunday.”
The Audco Social Club was founded by and for the factory workers of the Audley Engineering Company in 1947 using a hut on New Street before moving to the factory site itself.
When the valve making factory was closed in 1999, an agreement was reached with developers St Modwen to stay on site until it was required.
Membership was extended to all and the club thrived.
The club searched for a new home and even considered the derelict Market Hall, but complications were too great and the committee collapsed.
With St Modwen ready to move on site to build new housing, the Printing Works appeared to have solved the problem before this fatal blow.
Club chairman Bob McArthur said: “We still have members who worked in the original factory. It’s another bit of Newport history gone.”
The club held many popular music nights with over 100 regularly turning out on Friday nights.
The assets, including pool tables and chairs, will be removed on Monday and sold, with money to be split amongst members.
- What are your memories of Audco Social Club? Did you meet the love of your life at a club event? Or were you one of the people who grew up playing snooker there and introduced your own children to the club? Send us your stories and pictures to newportadvertiser@shropshirestar.co.uk or call into the Advertiser offices at 32 St Mary Street, Newport.
By Sean Wozencroft