A DALE snooker club that dates to 1891 is gradually being brought into the modern era thanks to its dedicated members.
At first glance the Teesdale Wanderers Club hut, in Barnard Castle, looks like a shed in desperate need of attention, but super-modern facilities are hidden beneath its Edwardian facade.
Now thanks to a grant from Teesdale Action Partnership, the thriving club of more than 85 members has had its ancient electrics replaced and plans are afoot to replace broken joists and make good the floor.
Initially it was feared the building, which was first put up on Birch Road in 1921, was rotten through.
Club chairman David Dye said: “When we had the inspection it wasn’t as bad as people had said all these years. The basic framework is okay. The electrical work is done and we have replaced the old fuse box. The whole system has been checked and made safe. We will do some re-boarding here and there. The whole shed needs re-boarding, but we thought we could do it in stages.”
Additional work still to be done includes installing a new disabled access to the rear of the building.
The total cost of the project to make the building sound is estimated to be about £12,000. Until five years ago the club looked to be about ready to fold, but a rejuvenated committee turned its fortunes around.
Although the furnishings remain from the 1920s, modern LED lighting has been installed over the tables and the old coin-operated light meters have been replaced.
Mr Dye said: “We have modernised the management but have kept the character of it all.”
The club has a proud history having started in 1891 as a cycling club with Lord Strathmore as its president. It also started off Barnard Castle’s annual Meet parade.
Mr Dye believes billiard tables were introduced to the club to keep members busy during the winter months.
Currently the club is hosting its winter tournament and with the addition of younger members, a new youth tournament has been organised.
Mr Dye said: “It is the first time in history of the club, since 1891, that there has been anything for the juniors. The club is thriving at the moment. We have had a few new people joining us in the past few weeks since the AGM – as a result we are way past the point of closing.”
The junior tournament, which takes place on December 28, will take the form of a 20-minute snooker competition in the morning and a billiard competition in the afternoon. The two scores will be added together to determine the junior champion.
For more information about the club contact Mr Dye on 01833 641216 or email teesdalewanderers@gmail.
com.
