Springhead History

The first documentary evidence of Saddleworth appeared in the Domesday Book in which it is referred to as 'Quick' spelt 'Thoac', where it is described as 'Lord of the King of Euvcsire (Yorkshire)'.

In 1864, a Local Board of Health for the Middle Division of Quickmere was established (later to become Springhead). Thirty years later, the area of Springhead Local Board of Health became Springhead Urban District, as part of the administrative county of the West Riding of Yorkshire. In 1937, this district was then added to the Saddleworth Urban District. Finally in 1974, under the Local Government Act 1972, the West Riding of Yorkshire was abolished, and Saddleworth was incorporated into the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham in the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester.  

Over the years, Springhead has been a major route for the annual Whit Friday Band Contest, and in 1979, even Hollywood came to the village, when the film 'Yanks' starring Richard Gere and Vanessa Redgrave was made. Although a large amount of the film was made in Delph, Springhead was used in the opening shot where the trucks were climbing up a steep hill adjacent to a chimney stack.

The Club

The earliest recorded history of the club is evident from its position on a survey map printed in 1891. The 'Liberal Club' was originally sited on Stanley Street, just off Cross Street.

The club remained there until its current location was built by the Springhead Liberal Club Building Company and opened it's doors on 23rd December 1902. Ironically, there was a Conservative Club on Staley Street, which was re-built in the same year. The building still stands but was converted into a house. The stone nameplate is still visible from the road, but please respect the occupants if you like to have a glimpse at this piece of history !

Photograph: kindly supplied by T Akeroyd.

Although there is no date supplied with the above photograph, the vast amount of fields signifies that the image was taken prior to the development of housing which now stands. Circled, you can clearly see the location of the club and the bowling green. Running up the middle, is Cooper Street with a quarry to the right. To the left, Rome Mill proudly stands occupying Walkers Lane. To the bottom of the image, is the current location of Springhead Avenue, and the once standing 'Delph Donkey' branch railway line.

Little memories of the early days can be recalled since senior club members have taken the secrets with them. However, one story which still remains to be told, was in 1964 when financial debt practically forced the closure of the club. Maureen McCarthy describes the hard work, sweat and tears that her late father, Frank Platt and other club stalwarts endured, eventually paid off as a considerable amount of fundraising took place to bring the club back into the 'black'.

Over the years, the club gradually became more successful and had to physically expand due to it's popularity. Anybody new to the club will hardly believe that the club is actually built around several dwellings.

As senior members will recall, the original layout consisted of the area where the current bar is now situated. The area where the pool table is now positioned, used to be a snug room, where the dartboard was regularly booked in advance. It was here as Squire Brierley remembers, that everybody used to 'pile in' for 'after time' drinking. There were no pool tables in the club at this time, although upstairs we understand, there was a snooker table and table tennis table.

Stewards Kitchen

Stewards Lounge

Stairs

Snug

                     Reproduced from members accounts - not to scale

Adjacent to the club was the steward house comprising of a kitchen and lounge. This is currently the area used for playing darts or watching the big screen. You are still able to see the staircase leading to the first floor, which is now the club flat. It is assumed that the fire door leading to the wheelchair ramp is probably the front door of the original house.

As Winnie Berry recalls, the bar was roughly half-moon shaped, the only access being the door leading to the stewards kitchen. Later on, Squire describes the changes made mentioned above. It was also remembered that the bar once occupied the space in the Snug before moving yet again to it's current position.

With evidence extracted from committee meeting minutes, it was 'hands on decks' in April 1972, when the committee began the task of constructing a spare room downstairs into a meeting place for the Veteran bowlers. Past records also highlighted that legal advice was sought in April 1974, to seek the ownership and possibly the purchase of the bowling green. From then, the club went under a continuous repair and renewal programme, from several re-decorations, to the re-surfacing of the car park, to the installation and the removal of beer tanks in the cellar, and to the purchase of the present carpet supplied by the now ceased Acorn Mill.  

A great deal of activities have taken place through the years. Children's Christmas parties were the annual treat, often being taken to Davenport Theatre. Records mention that a pianist was a regular feature in the club, and in 1970, the famous late Brad Newman was hired to entertain members on Boxing Day morning. In those days, Brad knew and brought along many showbiz artistes to play in the club. However, it was often wondered how they used to accommodate so many band members at once onto such a tiny stage. The stage at this particular time was positioned in front of the windows directly facing the pool table.

Members will still remember the stage being in the current concert room prior to the extension, where many artistes performed in front of shimmering foil strips used as a backdrop. Again, this was a somewhat small triangular shaped stage in the left hand corner. But it did the trick, and served the purpose of successful Saturday evening concerts and Yuletide celebrations.

Then in 1997, a big transformation took place in the club. An extension to the concert room was purpose built by Strettons at a cost of £150,000. It is a testimony of the stewardship of the Committee that this was paid for 'in cash'. No loans were sought or required allowing our continued independence of brewery ties. The extension was needed to accommodate comfort for the members by including extra bench seating, a larger stage, and a new dance floor to strut their stuff.

The opening of the bowling season was also a spectacular event on Good Friday. Every year, the green was officially opened, catering was often supplied, and also  entertainment was included to finish off this popular day. A revival of this tradition took take place in 2008, with the introduction of a new trophy in memory of Alan Wrigley (sponsored by Frederic Robinson). 

Where we are now

Although some of these events do not take place anymore, over the recent years, the club has shifted it's attention by promoting a considerable amount of time and effort in supporting local charities. Bottle collections and quiz nights are some of the ongoing activities that have helped to raise thousands of pounds for Dr Kershaws, Christies, Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis to name a few.

In 2007, a team of members introduced the 'Springhead Fundraisers Committee', in which organised events take place to raise money for various charities. The team raised over £3,000 for Francis House and Christies appeals. Their current venture is Dr Kershaws.

As a means of communication with our members, a monthly newsletter is available which reports on various activities and events in the club, such as bowling fixtures, post-match reports, concert night entertainment, and fun things to keep them out of mischief !

The club has fifteen bowling teams and cordially invites both men and women to play for those all important trophies. It also has other gaming teams including two pool teams, darts and crib.

If this is too energetic for you, then you could always come to meet new and old friends over a drink purchased from the very competitive well stocked bar, play bingo on three nights of the week, join in the fun on Saturday concert nights, watch all the live sporting action on the 50" plasma screen and the cinema projected screen, or perhaps even soak up the breathtaking views over Springhead and the surrounding countryside.

The Future

With a database of over 500 members to date, there is still a constant stream of new applicants. Why the interest ? We think the secret is once you enter the red door, an inviting welcome awaits you, with many facilities on offer, and more importantly, it is a place to relax and enjoy a night or afternoon out in a safe environment.  

In February 2009, saw a major refurbishment for the club. A new bar was installed comprising a full length of bottle coolers, upgraded pumps and a 'fresher' looking wood finish. The toilet area has also been revamped, accommodating the inclusion of a dedicated disabled toilet, and streamline toilets for the gents and ladies. Again, no loans were sought for this project, thus relying on funds built up since the last major refurbishment.

The club will also be open at additional times by arrangement.

Members are reminded that they must be on the premises by 10.45pm in order to be served.

Members are requested to consider our neighbours when entering and leaving the club.