How working men’s club ‘rose like a phoenix from the ashes’
DRINKING DEN THAT BECAME A STAPLEFORD INSTITUTION IS CELEBRATING ITS CENTENARY
JUST as its name suggests, the Equalized Working Men’s Club in Stapleford treats all visitors as equals.
“The founding members of the club, they said that it doesn’t matter if you’re a barrister or a labourer,” says club secretary, Ray Singleton.
Now, on the verge of celebrating hosting celebrations for the club’s centenary, the 74-year-old spoke to the Post about the club’s rough and ready beginnings, and the secret to its longevity.
The Equalized Club, affectionately known as “The Equ”, was set up just after the First World War by Tommy and Joey Hogg.
It is said they had been barred from the Feathers Pub in Stapleford after failing to pay mounting debts, so they rented a house, bought a barrel of beer and built a “drinking den”.
Word then got around, and people began bringing their own barrels.
“Beer was brought up in enamel jugs from the barrels in the basement and served to the regulars,” says Mr Singleton.
“At some point the rented house, plus the house next door, were purchased, the drinking den was legitimised, and the Equalized was born.”
The club was registered on January 25, 1922, with 105 members.
It continued to serve from the basements of the two houses until they were knocked down in 1967 and replaced by the current clubhouse
in Albert Avenue.
After frequenting the Equalized in the early 1980s, Mr Singleton agreed to become its secretary in 1985 after it found itself knee-deep in debt.
“The club was tens of thousands in debt and Inland Revenue was looking to close it.
“I was asked to be secretary and I did some hard negotiating.
“We managed to turn the club around from owing tens of thousands to having a quarter of a million in the bank. “We rose like a phoenix from the ashes really.
“We went from on the verge of closure to being probably the richest club in Stapleford.”
Decades on, and after a £100,000 refurbishment, the club continues to thrive and hosts a variety of events, including a country and western club, a family night and a free monthly buffet for the elderly.
But what’s its secret? Mr Singleton, of Shardlow, says it’s still its inclusive nature.
“We’re a service to the community. Above all else it’s a very welcoming club. If you walk in here and you don’t know anyone, someone will talk to you.
“We cater for all ages and I think that’s reflected in why we’ve been going so long.”
Debbie Blake, a member of the club’s committee, started going to The Equ ten years ago.
“It’s such a friendly, loving place – I went in after I separated from my partner,” the 68-yearold says.
“I just went in on a Saturday night, got my drink, sat down and watched the act that was on. That’s what I did on a Saturday by myself and it was lovely.
“Then you start to get to know people and that’s the beauty of a small club, it’s intimate and welcoming – a nice atmosphere.”
Despite the club’s longevity, Mr Singleton says it’s not been immune to the challenges of Covid and a changing culture.
“They’re going out of fashion. I don’t think it’s cool for youngsters to go to a working men’s club.
“We try our best to attract a younger clientele. We’re trying to move with the times a bit.
“The place used to be heaving but, like the whole hospitality industry, Covid hit us hard.
“The age profile of the club is quite high and I think there’s still a bit of hesitancy to come out.”
However, he adds the club is “holding its own” and didn’t have to lay anyone off over the course of the pandemic.
So, does The Equalized Club have another century of life in it?
Mr Singleton says the future looks “rosy” but only if it “doesn’t stand still”.
It’s a very welcoming club. If you walk in here and you don’t know anyone, someone will talk to you Ray Singleton