Birstall, Birkenshaw and Gomersal Conservative Club
Birstall, Birkenshaw and Gomersal Conservative Club.
A Working’s Mens Conservative Association was formed in
Birkenshaw in 1869, with an inaugural dinner being held at the club. One might presume that this was the
foundation for the Birkenshaw Conservative Club. No address is given for the dinner but there
were over 100 people present with Sir Charles Firth presiding and speeches
being made by him and others. Leicester Journal 12 February 1869
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| Leeds Times 6 June 1885 |
The Birstall, Birkenshaw and Gomersal Conservative Club was opened officially in June 1885 and the Leeds Times reported that a commemoration "Beaconsfield" jug was presented by Hon. E Stanhope, MP for mid Lincolnshire to celebrate the opening. The porcelain jug bore a portrait of the late leader of the Conservative Party.
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| Hon. Edward Stanhope, MP |
A musical evening, which was one of a series, took place in the club rooms in June 1887 which was a well-attended event. During the evening Frederick Ellis, who was Chairman of the Divisional Conservative Association at the time, presented a portrait of Mr J. E. Gladstone, the Tory candidate for Spen Valley in the 1885 election and nephew of the Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. Leeds Times 11 June 1887
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| Leeds Times 11 June 1887 |
October 1890 the club held a social evening with vocal and
instrumental music provided by Robinson’s Band.
Other entertainment during the evening included Mr W Bailey, a humourist
from Low Moor and pieces by several members of the club. There was a large attendance and Frederick
Ellis President of the District Conservative Association gave an address to the
audience. Yorkshire Post 6 October 1890
The club held its 6th annual ball in the club premises
in January 1891. It was reported that
there was a large attendance with many of the leading Conservative of the area
in attendance. The large room at the
club had been “profusely decorated” for the event and live music for dancing
was provided by “Robinson’s Band”. Supper
was served to 50 people which was arranged and served by the ladies. Yorkshire Post 24 January 1891
The Shirley Habitation of the Primrose League, the local branch of the league, held a dance
at the club in February 1891.
