Comrades of the Great War Club and Old Bridge House

 

There is something thrillingly nostalgic about social clubs. Some are like walking into a snapshot of the 1970s, others pride themselves on their working-class splendour.

All are the antithesis of modern superpubs. With a president, secretary and committee, they all have the same aim: to keep the community they represent together. Many struggle, many fail.<o:p></o:p>

But in British society where community has failed in so many areas, social clubs remain a venue where people who use them can exercise a feeling of inclusion and belonging.

I was very fortunate to be allowed to photograph inside Blackpool’s Comrades of the Great War Club.<o:p></o:p>

Situated on Adelaide Street, it’s a private club for ex-servicemen, particularly sub-mariners. <o:p></o:p>

There were some wonderful tales from the members. I was made to feel very welcome by Wally, all the staff and the members. <o:p></o:p>

They drank, they played bingo and they listened to the club singer. <o:p></o:p>

The place is brilliant. Long may it thrive.

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And after that I gate-crashed a karaoke party at the Old Bridge House Cabaret Bar on Lytham Road. The place was rocking. For me, this is Blackpool.<o:p></o:p>


All images taken on Saturday, August 21, 2010.