Cultural historian and award-winning beer writer Pete Brown turns his attention to a phenomenon that has shaped modern British culture without anyone really noticing, launching the careers of global stars like Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Steve Davies. The Working Men’s Club movement has an astonishing untold history covering feminism, the Chartists, Bernard Manning and the rumour about Shirley Bassey peeing in a sink.

Pete Brown is a British author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant specialising in food and drink. Across twelve books, his broad, fresh approach takes in social history, cultural commentary, travel writing, personal discovery and natural history, and his words are always delivered with the warmth and wit you’d expect from a great night down the pub. He writes for newspapers and magazines around the world, and is a regular contributor to radio and podcasts. He was named British Beer Writer of the Year in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2021, has won three Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, been shortlisted twice for the Andre Simon Awards, and in 2020 was named an “Industry Legend” at the Imbibe Hospitality Awards. He was recently accused of being the 31st most important person in the drinks industry.

Pete Brown delivered a superb talk at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Saturday 26th October for the Lit & Sci Soc, He entertained the audience with an authoritative and witty account of the history of social clubs for working people, from his extensive research for his book, Clubland. His anecdotes brought much laughter. He began with the story of Shirley Bassey reputedly being told at Batley Variety Club that the sink at the end of the corridor was available if she needed to wee. Every entertainer afterwards was told the same thing and “if it’s good enough for Shirley, it’s good enough for you”. Did Shirley Bassey really wee in the sink? Well Pete put us straight.

Next up was an account of the origins of the social and working mens clubs. The Reverend  Henry Sollly is credited with the creation of the Working Men’s Club and Institute Union (now the CIU) in 1862. His vision was for clubs for working men to get together to learn about the arts and science and to debate social issues. The CIU was helped initially by a lot of patronage and money from the gentry but two factors led eventually to its success. The sale of alcohol (especially at Club prices) was one and the other was a CIU subscription which meant that a  CIU member could enter any affiliated club in the country. Interestingly, although there was much opposition to the sale of alcohol at first, individual’s consumption of beer in the Clubs was actually less than in the pubs, which proved the doubters wrong.

Pete’s final anecdotes were about the heyday of the Social and Working Men’s Clubs in the 1970s and how they are now developing (or not). many in the audience can remember the days of Charlie Williams and Bernard Manning etc. Both told risqué and somewhat racist jokes. Manning in particular is known for his vulgarity. However Pete pointed out that he performed in gay clubs and in Catholic Clubs and others with material which was much more suitable (less filthy) for those audiences showing his broad comedic talent. In closing, Pete showed some pictures of the exterior of current Working Men’s clubs. All are bland red brick structures with little signage outside. He commented that “how would anyone be attracted to such places?” He has been asked by clubs how they can attract new members. He suggested having a sign outside saying “New Members Welcome”. “Oh we never thought of that” was the reply!

In conclusion he mentioned several Clubs which are thriving, some like Brudenell Social Club in Leeds outside of the CIU but also the Mildmay Club in London which Pete joined. That club now serves craft beer and holds jazz concerts drawing a new but enthusiastic clientele. There is much life left in the Clubs.

Did Shirley Bassey really wee in a sink? Read Pete Brown’s brilliant book “Clubland” to find out.