Catholic Club celebrates its centenery
The Catholic Club are celebrating their 100th anniversary in their Waterdale premises. Pictured l-r are chairman Andrew Davey, 88, of Balby, trustee Michael Tierney, 68, of Warmsworth, secretary Vincent McKeown, 79, of Bennetthorpe, stewardess Lynn Zivkovic, 55, steward Peter Zivkovic, 57, bar staff Carly Vickers, 24, members John Hansen, 76, of Wheatley, and Martin Murray, 44, of Doncaster. Picture: Liz Mockler D3022LM
THE Doncaster Catholic Club on Chequer Road is gearing up for its centenary celebrations.
Set up in April 1913, members of the Doncaster Catholic Club are planning to celebrate its 100th anniversary on April 11 on its current premises on Chequer Road, with a special dance and a display on the history of the club.
Secretary Vincent McKeown, 78, said he thought a lot of the clubs’ members were looking forward to the celebrations and learning a bit about its history.
“I think a lot of the people who come to the club don’t know much about how it all started, so this will be an excuse to teach them,” he said.
The Doncaster Catholic Club, which has a membership of over 1,800 has seen many changes over the last 100 years both in terms of fluctuating membership and its link to the church.
It was initially set up for people of the Catholic faith to socialise, but nowadays the club has few ties to religion and only 60per cent of its membership is Catholic.
The private members club was almost forced to close shortly after the second world war due to dwindling numbers and the loss of its liquor license but since then has maintained a steady membership, and Vincent says he thinks the club has a ‘strong’ future and may outlive some of Doncaster’s other pubs and clubs.
He added: “You see pubs in the city centre closing all the time but because we keep our drinks prices low and aren’t worried about turning a massive profit, charging just enough to keep the club ticking over. I think that will help to keep people coming back”.
The club has different activities every night which include bingo, dancing and a weekly quiz. Membership is £5 a year and Vincent says he thinks the clubs main appeal is the dancing and the atmosphere. For information on how to join the Doncaster Catholic Club call 01302 364695.
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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