Last updated 13:35, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

SO THE demise of the Workington Labour Club looks complete. It’s a pity really.

When I returned home for my retirement it was, or looked to be, the centre of the Labour movement in Cumbria, under the Labour Party banner.

Real stalwarts of our working class community could be met there. It was busy, convivial, friendly and made money, much of which found its way into the party funds.

Nothing wrong with that, since in West Cumberland there never have been wealthy benefactors. That of course ended when the party left the premises.

I suppose the decline set in when anno-domini eventually had its way and the old guard of the Labour Party took back seats.

The social side of the club became non-existent; the party didn’t appear to suffer but the premises seemed to be excessive.

Maybe that is too simple an analysis. One thing is true, some modern day socialists are among the most yuppy, unsocial people.

I suppose now I am showing my age but my idea was of the hard working, betting, drinking, caring and kindly Labourites.

Decent folk I belonged with don’t know where to go, or do they?

TED ROUTLEDGE
Bromley Street
Workington