The Liberal and Labour Club Abertillery – The Beginning

The Liberal and Labour Club Abertillery – The Beginning.
The Abertillery Philharmonic Club.
In the late 1880’s a Philharmonic Club was established at the lower part of Tillery Street, Abertillery (as seen in the center of the image left) and entertained many venues in the town throughout the 1890’s. The caretaker was Mr Gulliford and the building was there long before the Foundry Bridge was installed and was once standing on its own on the side of the railway embankment (as seen in the image left) until adjoining buildings were erected. In a report from 1890 the band played at the Primitive Methodist concert and the orchestra consisted of the following members Mr J. Collier – violin; Mr C. Short – 2nd violin; Mr T. Collier 2nd violin; Mr A. Short – clarionette; Mr T. Thomas – 2nd clarionette; Mr E. Winstone – horn; Mr J. G. Cordy – trombone; Mr W. Preece – piano and Mr T. Preece – bass:

In 1896-97 the Abertillery Philharmonic Club had a billiard team and featured in the billiard league. The club were also advertising for members. Here is a list of the Abertillery Philharmonic Club billiard players from 1898 – Mr J. Yorath (Captain); Mr J. Harris; Mr H. Pike; Mr J. Fear; Mr J. Morgan; Mr A. Way; Mr R. Stanfield; Mr W. Hancock; Mr E. Sutton; Mr T. Dibbins; Mr W. Powell; Mr J. Dix; Mr S. Robbins; Mr F. Adams; Mr G. Turner; Mr A. Gregory; Mr A. Bundred; Mr D. Bundred; Mr C. Cridland; Mr R. Price; Mr W. Price; Mr J. Vincent; Mr J. Welsh; Mr W. Thomas; Mr J. Corbett; Mr W. McNeil; Mr G. Thorne; Mr J. Adams; Mr E. Richardson and Mr W. Samuel:

The Closure and Sale of the Philharmonic Club.
In February 1902 the Abertillery Philharmonic Club sold their premises at auction, along with the effects, chairs, tables, music stands, benches, a couple of billiard tables (one full size and one half size) and other bits and pieces. Later this same year a United Orchestra of Abertillery was formed, the conductor being Mr J. Collier and the secretary of the organisation was Mr S. Chilton (Blaina). They put out advertisements offering their services for oratorios, cantatas and concerts etc. (I don’t know where their new premises were).

The Liberal and Labour Club Formation – The Beginning.
When the Abertillery Philharmonic Club sold their premises, the Liberal Political Association of Abertillery who had been looking to establish a political club in the area purchased the building. The association named the club “The Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery. During its first year there were close on one-hundred members registered. The first page of the members ledger (as seen right) shows the founders with the first member being Mr G. Selby an insurance agent of 43 Alma Street, Abertillery, followed by Mr J. Boots also an insurance agent from 14 Ashfield Road, Abertillery. The rest of the members followed with various occupations from headmasters, store managers, reporters, dentists, a timber merchant and also Mr William Brace an M.P.: 

The Abertillery Ping Pong League.
The members of the Liberal and Labour Club bought a table tennis table and entered into competitions, as in March 1902 the newly formed Liberal & Labour Club were in the Ping-Pong League. The team members were as follows –  Mr D. Lewis Evans (Captain); Mr G. G. Gunter; Mr G. Handy; Mr E. Thorne; Mr G. Hanney; Mr W. Harrison; and Mr G. Selby: I don’t know if this league finished, folded or they just dropped out as there didn’t seem to be any other reports.

The Billiard Team Formation and the First Team.
A few months later the Liberal and Labour Club entered a team into the billiard league. Their first ever billiard team were as follows – Mr G. Hanney; Mr M. Hancock; Mr W. S. Harrison; Mr G. Selby; Mr G. Gough; Mr W. Vincent; Mr H. G. Holbrook; Mr M. Penny; Mr W. Williams; Mr W. Pritchard; Mr E. Thorne; Mr T. Miles and Mr W. Samuel:

The 1902-1903 Season.
The George’s Billiard Tournament.
On Wednesday 30th of July 1902, a club game was played at the Liberal and Labour Club named the “George’s Billiard Tournament”, a match between four George’s and four other members of the club. The format was four billiard matches of 200 up. The teams and scores were as follows – Mr George Gough 200, Mr George Hanney 200, Mr George Turner 200 and Mr George Selby 175. They played against Mr Mark Hancock 144, Mr Alfred Way 185, Mr W. S. Harrison 166 and Mr A. E. Holbrook 200: The four George’s won 3-1.

The Liberal and Labour Club versus Pontypool Liberal Club.
On Wednesday 3rd of December 1902, the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery played Pontypool Liberal Club in a match of billiards 200 up. The Abertillery team consisted of Mr George Gough; Mr George Hanney; Mr George Selby; Mr W. Harrison; Mr M. Hancock; Mr H. Holbrook and Mr W. Vincent: The Abertillery Liberal and Labour Club won 7-0. After the game, Mr Hayden of Pontypool played Mr George Gough in an exhibition match, Mr Gough won 200 points to 135.

On Thursday 11th of December 1902, the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery played Pontypool Liberal Club in the return match. The Abertillery team consisted of Mr Pritchard; Mr F. Penny; Mr George Gough; Mr George Hanney; Mr Williams; Mr George Selby; Mr W. Harrison and Mr M. Hancock: The Abertillery Liberal and Labour Club won 6-2. The points were 1,545 to 1,247.

The Liberal Club Billiard Team Members 1902 -1903.
The Liberal and Labour Club billiard team members throughout the 1902-1903 season were as follows – Mr George Gough; Mr George Hanney; Mr George Selby; Mr W. S. Harrison; Mr M. Hancock; Mr H. Holbrook; Mr F. Penny; Mr W. Pritchard; Mr Fred Evans; Mr A. Handy; Mr W. Samuel; Mr T. Miles; Mr E. Thorne and Mr W. Vincent:

The Cwmtillery Institute Billiard Team 1902-1903.
During the 1902-1903 season a team from the Cwmtillery Institute featured in the billiard league, I would assume this institute was the Colliers Hall at Cwmtillery. The Cwmtillery Institute team members throughout 1902-1903 season were as follows – Mr J. Sowerby; Mr W. Hoskins; Mr W. Jones; Mr L. Davies; Mr G. Lewis; Mr G. Allcock; Mr E. Dando; Mr T. Purnell; Mr J. Sobey; Mr E. Stokes; Mr H. Wiltshire; Mr U. Jones: The Cwmtillery Institute billiard team was not featured in later reports apart from them being mentioned while holding an exhibition match in November 1908.

The 1904-1905 Season.
During the early years, the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery were playing billiards against teams such as Six Bells Institute, Pontypool Liberal Club, Abercarn and Cwmcarn, Blaina Institute, Newport Constitutional Club and Ebbw Vale Institute and were winning their matches on a regular basis, they became a well known name, built up a reputation and were feared amongst their opponents.

The Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery team members during the 1904-1905 season were – Mr W. S. Harrison; Mr W. E. Pritchard; Mr H. G. Holbrook; Mr G. Hanney; Mr W. Williams; Mr M. E. Penny; Mr F. W. Evans; Mr G. Gough; Mr G. F. Selby; Mr T. Meyrick; Mr T. Evans and Mr W. J. Lewis.

The Liberal Team’s Trip to Cardiff.
On Monday 16th of January 1905, the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery billiard team travelled to Cardiff to play the Cardiff Liberal Club. They won the match by 1,121 points to 739. The South Wales Gazette reported that they maintained their unbroken record for the season. Towards the end of 1905 Mr Jack Cable joined the Liberal Club and played for the team. One newspaper report stated the Abertillery Liberal Club had the best amateur cueists in the country.

The 1905-1906 Season.
Inter Club Match.
On Thursday 26th of October 1905, the Pontypool Liberal Club journeyed to Abertillery to play the Liberal and Labour Club. The Pontypool Free Press reported the Liberal and Labour Club had the best amateur cueists in the country, Pontypool gave a creditable performance but lost 1,585 points to 1,033 points. The return match on Saturday 11th of November 1905, the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery travelled to Pontypool and again defeated the Pontypool Liberal Club 1,584 points to 1,052 points.

The Liberal and Labour Club Billard Team Members 1905-1906.
During the 1905-1906 season the Liberal Club billiard team members were as follows – Mr W. S. Harrison; Mr W. E. Pritchard; Mr H. G. Holbrook; Mr G. Hanney; Mr E. Williams; Mr W. Williams; Mr M. E. Penny; Mr F. W. Evans; Mr W. Vincent; Mr G. Gough; Mr G. F. Selby; Mr T. Meyrick; Mr T. Evans and Mr W. J. Lewis. Mr A. Harris:

The Six Bells Institute Billiard Team 1905-1906.
During the 1905-1906 season the Six Bells Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr W. Francis; Mr D. Plummer; Mr C. Francis; Mr H. Collier; Mr W. Price; Mr D. Phillips; Mr W. Carter; Mr H. Collins; Mr A. C. Jones; Mr P. Lewis and Mr H. Hoskins:

The Tillery Institute Billiard Team 1905-1906.
During the 1905-1906 season the Tillery Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr J. Cable (also played for the Liberal Club); Mr A. Thorne; Mr W. Price; Mr W. Richards; Mr W. Williams; Mr S. Millard; Mr J. Wade and Mr A. Wiltshire:

The Annual General Meeting.
On Monday 29th of January 1906, the annual meeting of the members of the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery took place. Those who attended were as follows – Mr F. Evans (President); Mr G. G. Gunter (Vice-President); Mr Williams (Treasurer); Mr E. C. Grylls (Corresponding Secretary) and Mr W. S. Harrison (Financial Secretary): The management committee were as follows – Mr W. B. Harrison, C.C.; Mr T. H. Prichard; Mr G. Jones; Mr A. Phillips; Mr J. Boots; Mr T. L. Davies; Mr G. Selby; Mr J. Tippins and Mr P. Watkins:

New Caretaker and Billiard Marker.
On Tuesday 6th of March 1906, the Liberal and Labour Club Management Committee with Mr G. G. Gunter presiding read through the applications for the position of caretaker and billiard marker, the position was made vacant by the resignation of Mr W. Pritchard. There were a large number of applicants and the committee decided to appoint Mr W. H. Cook of 14 Blythe Street, Abertillery. The wages were £1. 5s. 0s. per week with one evening off per week, equivalent to £162.00 in today’s money.

The 1906-1907 Season.
The Tillery Institute Billiard Team 1906-1907.
During the 1906-1907 season the Tillery Institute team members were as follows – Mr J. Cable; Mr G. Dean; Mr A. Wiltshire; Mr P. Singer; Mr D. Price; Mr S. Millard; Mr J. Linton and Mr B. Singer:

The Six Bells Institute Billiard Team 1906-1907.
During the 1906-1907 season the Six Bells Institute team members were as follows – Mr W. Francis; Mr C. Mapp; Mr C. Francis ; Mr H. Hoskins; Mr D. Francis; Mr S. Parr; Mr P. Lewis and Mr J. Powell:

Mr Fred Bateman Exhibition Matches.
On Monday 6th of May 1907, Mr Fred Bateman, one of the leading billiard players in the world visited the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery. Mr Bateman played Mr Albert Harris and Mr George Gough and also gave an exhibition and displays of trick-shots.

The 1907-1908 Season.
It seems there were no local teams involved in the billiards league during the 1907-1908 season.

The 1908-1909 Season.
The Western Valley’s Billiard League Formation.
On Saturday 18th of July 1908, a meeting was held at the Viaduct Hotel, Crumlin to consider forming a billiard league for the Western Valley’s. There were representatives present from Abertillery, Blaina, Crosskeys, Ebbw Vale, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, and Six Bells. It was decided to form a league and call it “The Western Valley’s Billiard League”. The officers elected were as follows – Mr T. Richards M.P. (President); Mr J. E. Griffith of Ebbw Vale (Chairman); Mr W. D. Lewis Evans M.A. of Abertillery (Treasurer) and Mr Rees Thomas of Blaina (Honorary Secretary):

The Western Valley’s Billiard League First Games.
On Saturday 3rd of October 1908, the first games were played in the newly formed Western Valley’s Billiard League. The following clubs comprised the league – Abertillery Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery Institute, Six Bells Institute, Newbridge Institute, Blaina Institute, Ebbw Vale Institute, Crosskeys and Risca. The Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery played Risca in the first match of the newly formed league. The Liberal Club team consisting of the following – Mr J. Cable; Mr A. Harris; Mr J. H. Jones; Mr A. Way; Mr E. Williams; Mr George Gough; Mr M. Penny and Mr J. James, beat Risca with a score of 1,576 points to 981 points.

The Liberal Club Billiard Team 1908-1909.
During the 1908-1909 season the Liberal and Labour Club team members were as follows – Mr J. Cable; Mr F. Evans; Mr M. Penny; Mr A. Harris; Mr J. H. Jones; Mr A. Way; Mr G. Gough; Mr H. Clarke; Mr A. Harris; Mr A. Harvey; Mr E. Williams and Mr E. Stokes:

The Liberal Club Second Billiard Team 1908-1909.
During the 1908-1909 season the Liberal and Labour Club second billiard team members were as follows – Mr W. Nicholas; Mr J. Cuff; Mr A. Handy; Mr A. E. Holbrook; Mr R. Prosser; Mr C. D. Dawe; Mr G. Nash; Mr R. J. Ayres; Mr G. Jones; Mr M. Jones; Mr A. Handy; Mr T. Evans; Mr G. Ruffell; Mr M. Price and Mr J. James:

The Tillery Institute Billiard Team 1908-1909.
During the 1908-1909 season the Tillery Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr P. Singer; Mr W. Reid; Mr J. Dean; Mr W. Richards; Mr W. Williams; Mr J. Millard; Mr W. Price; Mr B. Singer; Mr T. Millard;? and Mr R. Price:

The Tillery Institute Second Billiard Team 1908-1909.
During the 1908-1909 season the Tillery Institute second billiard team members were as follows – Mr W. Waters; Mr J. Linton; Mr F. Cable; Mr J. Richards; Mr F. Cable; Mr T. Richards; Mr L. Read; Mr B. Bibey; Mr W. Davies; Mr W. England; Mr W. Lawrence; Mr E. Coles; Mr O. or P. Brooks and Mr A. Hughes:

The Six Bells Institute Billiard Team 1908-1909.
During the 1908-1909 season the Six Bells Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr S. Parr; Mr Chas. Mapp; Mr Chas Francis; Mr F. Williams; Mr Henry Hoskins; Mr D. S. Rees; Mr William Francis and Mr David Plummer:

The Six Bells Institute Second Billiard Team 1908-1909.
During the 1908-1909 season the Six Bells Institute second billiard team members were as follows – Mr G. Clarke; Mr W. Mason; Mr E. Hickey; Mr F. Brooks; Mr J. E. Morgan; Mr J. Moore; Mr G. Cosker; Mr J. Weeks; Mr A. Coldicott; Mr T. Dagger; Mr Hy. Collins; Mr D. Francis; Mr W. Yorath; Mr E. Hickey; Mr Geo Parr; Mr J. Powell and Mr J. Avery:

Mr A. E. Rayner and the Series of Exhibition Matches.
On Monday 16th of November 1908, Mr A. E. Rayner a young professional billiard player from Sheffield and London began a tour of exhibition matches throughout the Western Valley’s. He played two matches at the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery playing Mr A. Harris and Mr F. Evans, Mr Rayner defeated both opponents. The following day, Tuesday 17th of November Mr Rayner gave an exhibition at the Cwmtillery Institute playing both Mr A. Dando and Mr E. Stokes and on the following day, Wednesday 18th of November he finished his exhibition tour in Abertillery when he played Mr George Gough at Buckley’s Hotel, Oak Street, Abertillery.

The Final of the Western Valley’s Billiard League Championship 1908-1909.
On Wednesday 10th of March 1909, the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery played Newbridge Institute in their last game of the season. The Liberal and Labour Club won with a score of 1,484 points to 1,214. The South Wales Gazette stated that this win ensured that the Liberal and Labour Club had gone through the season undefeated. The Liberal and Labour Club – Mr A. Harvey; Mr J. H. Jones; Mr E. Stoker; Mr M. Penny; Mr F. Evans; Mr G. Gough; Mr J. Cable and Mr A. Way: The Newbridge Institute – Mr G. Hanney; Mr F. Salisbury; Mr A. Woolley; Mr M. Davies; Mr T. Charles; Mr J. Marsh and Mr W. Williams: Mr Jack Cable of the Liberal Club, Abertillery had won all his matches in the league.

The Presentation Night 1909.
On Wednesday 7th of April 1909, the members of the Liberal and Labour Club, Abertillery held a supper and social evening at the club to commemorate the liquidation of the debt on the club and to unveil a portrait of one of the most popular members, Mr R. J. Ayres which had been subscribed for by a large number of his many friends and admirers. The meal was provided for a large number by Messrs Watkins of Oak Street and the following officers attended – Mr G. G. Gunter (President); Alderman S. N. Jones J.P.; Mr W. B. Harrison (Ironmonger and J.P.); Mr R. J. Ayres; Mr E. C. Grylls; Mr W. D. Lewis Evans M.A.; M F. Athay; Mr J. Boots; Mr Griffiths Jones; Mr H. Jones (Secretary) and many others.

Mr W. B. Harrison, one of the founders of the club briefly reviewed the history of the club, Mr Jones gave a summary of the club’s finances and Mr W. D. Lewis Evans toasted the teams unbeaten record in the Western Valley’s Billiard League. The clubs first team had won all its games in that competition and Mr J. Cable had won all his individual games in the league. Mr G. Gough was the club’s champion this year and was awarded the R. J. Ayres Billiard Cup.

Mr G. G. Gunter called upon Mr S. N. Jones to unveil the portrait of Mr R. J. Ayres, who was represented on horseback. The portraits artist was Mr Cuthbert. In the evening a programme of songs and recitations were rendered by the following – Messrs Monty Price; T. Thomas (who sang a song composed for the occasion by Mr W. D. Lewis Evans); D. Edward Jones; A. Williams; F. Athay; G. Selby and F. Evans: The accompanists were Mr W. Lewis on the piano and Mr Cuthbert on the violin.

The Liberal Club Billiard Team 1909-1910.
During the 1909-1910 season the Liberal Club billiard team members were as follows – Mr J. Cable; Mr A. Harris; Mr J. Duffield; Mr W. Brown; Mr G. Gough; Mr G. Jones; Mr G. Nash; Mr E. Williams; Mr F. Drake; Mr F. Evans; Mr M. Penny; Mr A. Way; Mr E. Stokes and Mr J. H. Jones:

The Liberal Club Second Billiard Team 1909-1910.
During the 1909-1910 season the Liberal Club second billiard team members were as follows – Mr G. Ruffell; Mr W. Brown; Mr C. Bull; Mr J. Cook; Mr R. Prosser; Mr L. Lewis; Mr M. Jones; Mr J. James; Mr M. Price; Mr T. Evans; Mr A. Dando; Mr W. Nicholas; Mr W. Powell; Mr A. W. Smith and Mr G. Selby:

The Tillery Institute Billiard Team 1909-1910.
During the 1909-1910 season the Tillery Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr R. Price; Mr S. Millard; Mr P. Singer; Mr B. Singer; Mr W. Price; Mr W. Williams; Mr W. Richards and Mr E. Dean:

The Tillery Institute Second Billiard Team 1909-1910.
During the 1909-1910 season the Tillery Institute second billiard team members were as follows – Mr T. Linton; Mr W. England; Mr A. Harding; Mr T. Richards; Mr W. Waters; Mr B. Bibey; Mr A. Lewis; Mr S. Richards and Mr L. Read:

The Six Bells Institute Billiard Team 1909-1910.
During the 1909-1910 season the Six Bells Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr Stephens; Mr C. Mapp; Mr W. Mason; Mr C. Francis; Mr P. Lewis; Mr H. Hoskins; Mr D. Plummer; Mr S. Parr; Mr J. Hillier; Mr D. Francis; Mr H. Collins; Mr W. Watkins; Mr W. Jones and Mr Hickey:

The Six Bells Institute Seconds Billiard Team 1909-1910.
During the 1909-1910 season the Six Bells Institute second billiard team members were as follows – Mr C. Hickey; Mr J. Powell; Mr J. Cuff; Mr O. Brooks; Mr G. Rees; Mr C. Mapp; Mr H. Collins and Mr J. Roberts:

The Liberal and Labour Club Billiard Match.
On Thursday 2nd of December 1909, a billiard match took place at the Liberal Club, Abertillery. Mr H. Jones, the secretary of the club played Mr R. J. Ayres in a game of 150 up. Mr Ayres won 150 points to 142 and was awarded a gold medal that had been provided by subscription. The South Wales Gazette printed the following – “Mr Ayres is not only a keen and wily wielder of the willow, but is also an enthusiastic and generous patron of the art”.

Mr J. Cable and Messrs R. J. Riley Ltd.
On Friday 18th of February 1910, the South Wales Gazette reported – Mr J. Cable of the Liberal Club, Abertillery one of the leading cueists, has this week received a cue and case from Messrs R. J. Riley Ltd of Accrington in recognition of his faultless break of 154, which he compiled last week in a game against Mr W. Williams. On the same evening, in a game against the same opponent he made another break of 101. As this is the second cue Mr Cable has obtained this season from the same firm, he is by the rules of their competition debarred from any further prizes during this season.

The Final of the Western Valley’s Billiard League Championship 1909-1910.
On Wednesday 27th of April 1910, the Liberal Club, Abertillery played the Institute, Blaina for the championship and the Burroughes and Watts shield. The both teams had tied at the top of the league and had only lost one game each during the season. The play-off had to be played on a neutral table and the Lusitania Billiard Rooms at Ebbw Vale was chosen as the venue. The Blaina team won the match and the championship by 1,477 points to 1,290 points, a margin of 187 points. The teams were as follows. The Liberal Club – Mr M. Penny; Mr J. Cable; Mr F. Drake; Mr G. Gough; Mr F. Evans; Mr E. Williams; Mr J. H. Jones and A. N. Other: The Institute Blaina – Mr W. Lowry; Mr J. Wiltshire; Mr E. Probert; Mr B. Hole; Mr W. H. Price; Mr G. H. Jenkins; Mr Rees Thomas and Mr S. Jones:

The Purchase of the Club and Corner Premises.
On Friday 3rd of June 1910, a special meeting of the members of the Abertillery Liberal Club was held to receive a recommendation from the committee that the club should purchase the block of buildings at the corner of Tillery Street now owned by Mr D. Gulliford. Mr A. Frowen presided over the meeting and explained that there was only two years left on the lease of their present building and that Mr Gulliford was only willing to sell the whole block of buildings together at a price of £2,600. Mr A. H. Dolman was the club’s solicitor who answered questions relating to the purchase and the meeting unanimously adopted the recommendation of the committee.

The Liberal Club Billiard Team 1910-1911.
During the 1910-1911 season the Liberal Club billiard team members were as follows – Mr J. Cable; Mr F. Drake; Mr F. Evans; Mr G. Gough; Mr E. Williams; Mr A. Harris; Mr A. Way; Mr W. Williams; Mr R. L. Lewis; Mr R. J. Ayres and Mr G. Selby:

The Liberal Club Second Billiard Team 1910-1911.
During the 1910-1911 season the Liberal Club second billiard team members were as follows – Mr G. Duffield; Mr A. W. Price; Mr M. Price; Mr R. Prosser; Mr T. Evans; Mr R. L. Lewis; Mr W. Nicholas and Mr M. Jones:

The Tillery Institute Billiard Team 1910-1911.
During the 1910-1911 season the Tillery Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr T. Dean; Mr B. Singer; Mr P. Singer; Mr W. Price; Mr E. Read; Mr S. Millard; Mr W. Richards; Mr W. Fisher and Mr R. Price:

The Tillery Institute Second Billiard Team 1910-1911.
During the 1910-1911 season the Tillery Institute second billiard team members were as follows – Mr T. Richards; Mr D. James; Mr A. Harding; Mr E. Coles; Mr W. Walters; Mr Tom Smart; Mr Tom Haycocks and Mr A. Lewis:

The Cwmtillery Institute Billiard Team 1910-1911.
During the 1910-1911 season the Cwmtillery Institute billiard team members were as follows – Mr J. Seargent; Mr G. Brain; Mr E. Richards; Mr E. Carter; Mr W. Howells; Mr T. Padfield; Mr A. Coombstock and Mr G. Thompson:

The Bedminster Liberal Club.
On Saturday 25th of February 1911, the Liberal Club billiard team travelled to Bristol to play a match against the Bedminster Liberal Club. All arrangements for the team was carried out by Mr Richard Tudor and Mr R. J. Ayres was the captain. The Liberal Club, Abertillery won the match by 1,196 points to 940 points. The Liberal Club team members were as follows – Mr J. Cable; Mr E. Williams; Mr H. Harris; Mr A. Way; Mr W. Williams; Mr R. L. Lewis; Mr R. J. Ayres and Mr G. Selby:

The Final of the Western Valley’s Billiard League Championship 1910-1911.
On Saturday 15th of April 1911, the Liberal Club, Abertillery played the Tillery Institute, Abertillery for the championship and the Burroughes and Watts shield. The games were played on a neutral table and the Church Institute, Abertillery was chosen as the venue. The Tillery Institute defeated the Liberal Club by 1,431 points to 1,411 points, a margin of just 20 points and won the championship. The Liberal Club – Mr J. Cable; Mr G. Gough; Mr F. Drake; Mr E. Williams; Mr A. Harris; Mr A. Way; Mr W. Williams; Mr R. L. Lewis; Mr F. Evans and Mr G. Selby: The Tillery Institute – Mr T. Dean; Mr B. Singer; Mr P. Singer; Mr W. Price; Mr E. Read; Mr S. Millard; Mr W. Richards and Mr R. Price:

The Reconstruction of the Liberal Club.
During 1911 the old Liberal and Labour Club had been demolished to road level, the basement was kept open and utilised for the playing of billiards while the new building was being constructed above.

Description of the New Building.
The South Wales Gazette described the new building as having an imposing appearance and considerably improved the approach to town from over the Foundry Bridge. There were bay windows on the front of the first floor with a balcony. The basement consists of the basement of the old club, and as mentioned was used as a billiard room by the members during the rebuilding of the club. The was a storage room measuring 28′ feet 6″ inches by 18′ feet, with a separate entrance from a side road, a private yard being shut off from the road by large double doors. On the ground floor was a vestibule from which double doors lead to the main room which was 35′ feet in length and 28′ feet in width with a height of 12′ foot 6″ inches. The main room was furnished by Mr G. Jones and Son of Abertillery.

There were two full sized billiard tables in this room and also tables for other games. At one end of the main room there was a private office allocated to the secretary while at the other side were a cloak-room and bathroom for the use of the members and lavatory accommodation, the floors and walls of which were laid and lined with glazed tiles. A separate passage and staircase from the vestibule lead to a large lecture hall on the first floor which measured 38′ feet by 28′ feet, the hall was capable of accommodating 150 people and could be divided by a sliding partition to provide accommodation for smaller meetings. From the first floor access could be obtained to the re-enforced flat roof, which is the only one of its kind in the district. There were ample ventilation and lighting and the building was well heated by the most modern fire places. The sanitary arrangements were carried out by Mr W. G. Marsh.

The Contractor and Architect.
Mr Richard Tudor was the contractor and Mr William Rait Smith was the architect. There is more information on both gentlemen below.

The Christadelphian Society.
On Sunday 19th of November 1911, the Christadelphian Society moved from their then present meeting rooms at Chapel Street, Abertillery to the Liberal Assembly Rooms and held their first meeting that night.

The Reopening of the Liberal Club 1911.
On Thursday 30th of November 1911, the members of the Liberal Club, Abertillery attended a supper and social gathering to celebrate the reopening of the new club premises. During the past four of five years the club had prospered under the management of Mr H. Jones and for some time there had been a need for an improved premises. In 1910 the club purchased from Mr D. Gulliford the property at the corner of Tillery Street and the Foundry Bridge and after reserving the the old club premises and also land adjacent on the railway side of the valley they re-sold the remaining property and had the club reconstructed over the old building.

The Supper and Gathering.
Between 70 and 80 members sat down to a meal supplied by Mr J. Emlyn Phillips. Afterwards the members retired to the billiard room where the President, Mr A. Frowen presided at the social, Mr Tom Jones sang a song with the verses contained references to the Liberal Club and the lives of the members. Messrs W. Price and A. Harrison followed with a duet with Messrs C. S. Reed B.Sc., and W. Williams rendered solos. Mr F. Athay proposed a toast to the club and reminisced about the days at the old club and Mr H. Jones the secretary gave a financial account. At this point, Mr R. J. Ayres, on behalf of the members of the club, presented a gold English lever watch and chain to Mr Jones the secretary and stated they were indebted to his work at the club and that they hoped he would long continue to be in charge of the clubs affairs. The watch, which had been supplied by Mr Tom Evans a jeweller of Church Street, Abertillery bore the following inscription – “Mr H. Jones. secretary of the Abertillery Liberal Club, from the members as a token of goodwill and appreciation”. After more toasts, Messrs L. J. Langford and G. Selby contributed songs. The awarding of the various billiard competition trophies and prizes to the successful winners followed.

Mr Richard Tudor – Contractor.
Mr Richard Tudor 1864-1931, was from Haverfordwest. Mr Tudor (as seen left) came to Abertillery in 1891 as foreman builder to the Gaen Bros and oversaw the construction of the Crown School, Blaenau Gwent. Mr Tudor’s first wife was Mrs Mary Tudor nee Lewis from Maesteg who sadly died in 1909, they had a son Herbert Tudor who was sadly killed in the Great War. Mr Richard Tudor’s second wife was Miss Lizzie Gilligan, the head mistress at the Queen Street Schools. At the time of his death Mr Tudor had become a J.P. and was living at Enfield House, Oak Street, Abertillery.

Mr William Rait Smith – Architect.
Mr William Rait Smith 1876-1958, was born in Shanghai, China and classed as a British subject through parentage. He was active in Abertillery in the early 1900’s and as mentioned Mr Rait Smith was the architect who designed the new Liberal Club. His wife was Mrs Ethel Rose Rait Smith nee Sarjeant, they were married in 1901 and they had two children, Donald William Rait Smith and Brian Rait Smith. While living in Abertillery the family resided at 86 Gladstone Street. At the time of Mr William Rait Smith’s death he was living at Hurstleigh Park Road, Redhill, Surrey.

The Liberal and Labour Club Name Variations.
I am not quite sure when or why the name Liberal and Labour Club was dropped for the name Liberal Club as various early newspaper reporters used different variations of the name in their articles, The name Liberal was mostly used after the rebuilding and also the name Central Club and Institute was adopted, with both “Central Club” and “Lib” being used up until the time of its closure. 

Women’s Associations.
The new Liberal & Labour Club had an assembly room on the upper floor, the club was and always had been a men only private club but after 1911 there were a lot of “Women’s Associations” holding meetings in its assembly rooms. Therefore, it seems as though the billiards and recreation room on the ground floor was strict men only admittance and the club must have given special dispensation for women to access the upper floor and assembly rooms.  

Annual General Meeting 1912.
On Thursday 11th of January 1912, the members of the Liberal Club, Abertillery held the first annual general meeting at their new premises. Mr A. Hyde (Vice President) presided and Mr H. Jones (Secretary) presented the statement of accounts. The officers were elected as follows – Mr L. D. Lewis (President); Mr G. Jones (Vice President) and Mr Griffiths (Treasurer): The committee members were elected as follows – Messrs A. H. Dolman; J. T. Boots; F. Evans; R. Tudor; J. Cuthbert; W. D. Lewis Evans M.A.; T. Thomas; G. G. Gunter; J. Cable and W. H. Hiley:

Later years will be uploaded on another post.

 

Points of Interest – The musical instrument the clarionette, as mentioned in the philharmonic section was a type of clarinet.