Out Of The Blue Artifacts A Library of a lifetime of collecting
The Old Tyleryan’s Club – Abertillery.
In December 1938, at an annual dance held at the Drill Hall, Abertillery, it was suggested by the Old Tyleryan’s Association that they were looking for a place as a new club, a place that they could have as their own to hold functions. They had in the past been holding meetings and functions in various places such as the County School building, the Bush Hotel, the Waverley Hotel, Abertillery, The Market Hall and the Drill Hall, Abertillery. The association wanted a place, a club that they could call their own.
Meeting of Members.
On Friday 17th of May 1946, a meeting was held at Preece’s Billiard Hall, Abertillery to discuss the formation of a registered mixed club.
Preece’s Billiard Hall.
The building chosen as a club for the Old Tyleryan’s Association was a grocers shop and billiard hall at 50 Somerset Street, Abertillery. Mr William Preece a grocer had been trading from the shop and in January 1914 applied for a licence to keep a house for public billiards or bagatelle playing on the floor over the shop at the premises known as 50 Somerset Street, Abertillery. The billiard room was originally accessed via the staircase on the side of the building, the club featured in the billiard and snooker leagues for many years.
Members Meeting.
On Tuesday 5th of November 1946, a meeting was held at the premises of the new Old Tyleryan’s Club, Somerset Street, Abertillery. The members discussed the rules and regulations of the club and the opening details. Mr D. L. P. Moore (Treasurer) of 3 Bryngwyn Road, Abertillery. Mr F. Carpenter (Chairman).
The Opening of the Old Tyleryan’s Club.
In November 1946 it was stated the club’s lounge and bar had been decorated, a few smaller rooms still required painting, as of this it was reported that the club was to open from Monday to Friday as from the first week in December 1946 until the club was officially opened.
The Official Opening of the Old Tyleryan’s Club.
The club was officially opened on 25th of January 1947. The members subscription card (as seen left) was dated 1st December 1946.
The Officers and Management Committee.
In January 1949 the Old Tyleryan’s Club held their third annual meeting at the club. Mr F. R. Carpenter presided. It was stated that Mr and Mrs Bull was steward and stewardess at the club and the management committee consisted of the following – Miss May Smith; Messrs E. Cox; B. Fieldhouse; J. Jenkins; J. W. Mounter and R. G. Hutchings: The officers of the club were as follows – Mr F. R. Carpenter (Chairman); Mr J. G. V. Thomas (Vice-Chairman); Mr W. J. Kidner (Treasurer); Mr W. A. Rogers (Secretary); Mr J. G. Phipps (Assistant Secretary): The management committee were as follows – Mrs F. E. Young; Mrs D. M. Lloyd; Miss A. M. Dawe; Messrs J. Gomery; S. Solloway; J. J. Jones; M. B. Morgan; K. E. Loyd; H. Selway; W. J. Williams; W. Lloyd and T. W. Rogers B.A.:
Structural Work at the Club.
In June 1950 tenders were invited for structural work on the Old Tyleryan’s Club, Somerset Street, Abertillery. The work involved the demolition of existing brick pillars supporting a two storied building, constructing a basement in brickwork and a new right-of-way at the rear of the premises. Tenders were to be sent to Mr W. Rogers, Secretary, 50 Somerset Street, Abertillery.
In September 1951 tenders were invited for structural alterations to the Old Tyleryan’s Club, Somerset Street, Abertillery. The work involved ladies and gents’ cloakrooms and conveniences and the taking out of a shop front to provide a new front entrance. Tenders were to be sent to Mr W. Rogers, Secretary, 50 Somerset Street, Abertillery.
The Sale of Billiard Tables.
In January 1952 the Old Tyleryan’s Club issued notices that they were selling two old billiard tables from the premises.
The Sale of the Old Tyleryan’s Club.
In 1993-1994, as of a dwindling membership and that the Grammar School had been closed for more than twenty years at this point, the club was not a viable concern. The Old Tyleryan’s committee decided to sell the club, it was put up on the market for £58.000.
Martin Wilkins and Jan Phillips.
In late 1994, Martin Wilkins and Jan Phillips purchased the Old Tyleryan’s Club, they refurbished the premises and opened it up for everyone.
The Name Change to the Corner Club.
After the purchase of the club by Martin Wilkins and Jan Phillips, the Old Tyleryan’s Club was renamed the Corner Club.
The Sale of the Corner Club.
In 2002, Martin Wilkins and Jan Phillips sold the Corner Club.
Later Owners and Stewards.
Ian Cochrane (Owner).
Kevin and Gaynor Webber (Managers).
Martin and Chris Jones.
Nathan and Karen?
Kevin and Gaynor Webber.
Thanks to John Fox, Chris Wilkins, Terry Phillips and Kevin Webber for their help with compiling its history.
(More information to come).