Leigh Park Working Men's Club
Founded in 1971, Leigh Park Working Men's Club in Havant, Hampshire continues to invest in its facilities as well as innovate in order to maintain its place at the heart of its local community.
Founded in 1971 and with around 1,500 members, Leigh Park Working Men's Club in Havant, Hampshire, is a venue which is truly at the heart of its community – one of the largest housing estates in Europe – with a wealth of activities and events ensuring the club is bustling seven days a week.
The Club Committee is constantly re-evaluating how the venue operates in order to maximise trade, minimise costs, and give its members the best possible experience. Investing in the facilities is key to the club's continuing success, and this summer has seen a bumper level of trade thanks in part to the club's fantastic new garden area.
"We've been absolutely delighted to assemble a team of members who turned a derelict yard into a fully landscaped large garden area complete with a patio area, adjoining one of our function rooms and bars," says Club President and Chairman Doug Anderson.
"This area has a purpose-built stage for live acts and is complete with a large TV Screen under the stage area. It was fantastic as it enabled our members to watch the Euros and other sporting events outside in the garden when the weather was good.
"The cost to the club in materials, astroturf, plants, trees, stage equipment, TV screen and other garden-associated fixings and equipment was in excess of £24k, but if the club had not used its team of members to construct the area, we estimated that the labour costs would have exceeded the materials and fixings cost.
"It means that the club now has another multi-purpose entertainment and function area, completely equipped, that is an asset to the club, and already the club is receiving a return on the investment made with increased revenue streams."
The new area has added to the club's ability to host different events at the same time. "We now have three large adaptable function room areas," says Doug. "A main Concert Room, a 'general' room, and a garden and Function Room/Bar area. They each have the capacity of 350, 250, and 275 members, respectively. Some weekends, all three areas are used simultaneously for members' enjoyment, private party functions, and entertainment. This project has been championed by the club members and the club Committee as an investment for the club's future, and we are certainly seeing a return in the investment. The members have created a facility that is within the top three garden areas in Portsmouth and the surrounding area and in our opinion is second to none!"
Another significant investment made by the club saw the updating of the CCTV system.
"We have installed a new state-of-the-art system," says Doug. "It cost £12,000 and it means that we now have over 40 cameras protecting both the outside and inside of the building. It demonstrates the club's commitment in moving forward with the times, and further encompassing all the latest technology."
Another step forward for the club has been setting up a Marketing and Events Team to oversee all of our entertainment programme, specialised internal and external events, and also to market all the facilities and entertainment available to members.
"It was this group which initially identified the garden project and initiative, and it has been really great for the club. We've set it up as an 'open' forum, meaning that you don't have to be a Committee Member to contribute. Members who have an event idea are invited to attend the monthly meeting, and then they are given help to champion their idea.
"It has resulted in some really successful events, including trips to Goodwood Races, Brighton Greyhound Stadium, Windsor and other CIU clubs, as well as numerous charity events. Quite recently, Paul Merson, the former Arsenal and England footballer, spoke at a gala dinner event that included a comedian and a Bee Gees Tribute Band. It was a resounding success and was attended by over 250 members and guests."
To ensure that their members are kept up to date with everything that is going on, the club has launched a new website.
"The new website went live in June," says Doug.
"It was clear that the old one was not fit for purpose and was due for a major overhaul. It now has more functionality, including the facility for people to pay and join the club online as well as buy function and event tickets.
"There's also so much more information on there now about our upcoming entertainment events. We also have a separate page for hall hire with a calendar showing availability, and that has become a popular tool for our members. All club-associated business is on the website, and the members can subscribe and receive the monthly club newsletter direct to their email inbox."
The club prides itself on the massive role it plays within the local community.
"Members describe the club as the 'hub of the community'," says Doug.
"We're constantly moving with the times and incorporating the latest initiatives and technology to help run a business that exceeds £750,000 annual turnover. However, the members and Management Committee have not forgotten our historical values as a traditional CIU-affiliated working men's club and our commitments to supporting charities either locally or nationally."
Among the beneficiaries from the club's fundraising are: Guide Dogs for the Blind; Rowans Hospice; Malmesbury Lawn Dementia Care Home; BASICS Hampshire (a mobile medical support unit which attends serious incidents in the area); the local hospital; Help For Heroes and various cancer charities.
As a further illustration of how important the club is to the fabric of the local community, it became an official Polling Station during the recent General Election, having already served in the same capacity in local elections.
"The Council was very satisfied with the facilities we provided, and we would expect this to become a regular request," says Doug. "It gave us the opportunity to showcase our club to lots of new people and demonstrate what we offer as an entertainment and leisure venue."
Indeed, live entertainment is an important part of the club's activities, with regular tribute acts performing, live music on a Saturday and Sunday each week, cabaret evenings, and guest speaker events.
"We try and cater for all tastes across the year in order to widen the appeal, and most of the entertainment takes place in our 350-capacity Concert Room.
"Every Thursday, we have a very busy Bingo session with not only high-value cash prizes but the chance to win a holiday for two and vouchers for meals in local restaurants.
"The introduction of different prize features as well as cash has driven up the attendance numbers, and it is always well supported by the club membership. It is a full night's activity that includes a Meat Raffle in the break."
The club also prides itself on its family-friendly ethos.
"We host a number of family events for members' children each year, starting with a traditional Easter party," explains Doug.
"Then we have a Summer Party and Fete. In October and November, we have the Halloween Party and Guy Fawkes Night. Towards the end of the year, we have the annual Children's Party complete with a visit from Santa Claus with presents."
He continues: "Along with our many sporting sections, there are three sections we are extremely proud to host and be associated with.
"These are our 'Making a Difference' inclusion sections, our vibrant Over-50s Club, and the annual Senior citizens Christmas party. 'Making a Difference' functions are held four times a month for two separate age groups. The adult events are held on a Friday for over-16s, and on a Tuesday is the Junior event for under-16s. This club section caters to persons in the community that have learning difficulties, physical disabilities, mental difficulties, and autism.
"This section has its own Committee and organises a large, diverse entertainment and events programme. The club takes great pride in its association with this important club section.
"The section is supported from top to bottom by the club Management Committee. The Over-50s Club meets twice a month in the Concert Hall and puts on live music and a buffet meal. They also organise events like a Turkey and Tinsel four-day break to a seaside resort on the South coast and day trips out. This club section was formed in the late 1980s and has gone from strength to strength.
"There is also a Senior Citizens Annual Christmas Party with the club supplying a three-course meal, entertainment, a free raffle with donated prizes, and a drinks package. This event is usually attended by over 100 guests, and it's a means of rewarding our elder members for the support they have given the club over the years."
The Club Committee's attention to detail is forensic, and in 2022 a dog-friendly policy was introduced.
"We have two large areas where members can sit with their dogs, including the newly constructed garden area.
"We've had no problems at all since this measure was introduced, and I think that it's a great example of how we as a club are willing to innovate and break down barriers for the benefit of our membership."
