Memories of the legendary Equalized Club in Stapleford that's closing after 104 years

The working men's club has been a hub of entertainment, fundraising and friendship

When something has been in existence for more than 100 years there's bound to be countless memories.

The announcement that the Equalized Club will close its doors on Sunday, May 3, prompted shock and sadness.

Reacting to the news on Nottinghamshire Live's Facebook page, musician Terence Saxon said: "Very sad news, was only playing there recently not to mention many times over the years, as far back as the 80s. Great club."

Rebecca Day wrote: "My stepdad used to take me and sister here with his wife and kids. We loved it. Fish man came round, Pepsi and salt and vinegar French fries and having a singalong and boogie to all the oldies. Think I was 13/14. Great times and memories."

Rhe Sansom wrote: "It's a fantastic club and has the best atmosphere with the best customers and staff."

In the club's heyday, it had more than a thousand members but at the last count the number had plummeted to 387.

Falling membership and financial struggles have been blamed for the closure of the 104-year-old club in Albert Street, Stapleford.

Former club secretary Ray Singleton said: "Over the years we have probably had the best entertainment in Stapleford with a variety of acts from top bands, to oompah bands, country and western, rock, hypnotists' nights and medium nights.

"We have had some famous people, too. Top comedian Jimmy Cricket appeared, The Tornadoes of Telstar fame, top local ventriloquist Neville King with his puppet Grandad appeared after doing three Royal Command performance at the London Palladium, and some of the older members will remember Eden Kane, a pop star from the 60s appearing."

The list of club activities has been long and varied. "We have darts teams, pool teams, dominoes teams, a football team, a fishing club, a thriving Buffs Lodge, we have had a country and western club and we have a Memory Café for those suffering from dementia and their carers."

Two success stories, still going to the end, have been the Young at Heart Club for people aged 60 and over and the Altogether Club for people of any age. Each popular event had entertainment, dancing, bingo, and a buffet.

As well as entertainment, the Equalized Club was well known for its charity events, which have raised thousands of pounds for good causes.

There have been sponsored 'jailbreaks', weight loss challenges, bike rides and a motorbike ride from Stapleford to Lands' End. Many were organised by Anne and Bushy Glazebrook, who have since died.

Check out the gallery below of photos supplied to Nottinghamshire Live by Mr Singleton.

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