An historic former socialist club in Milnsbridge visited by some of the most notable political figures of the 20th century is being returned to its community roots.
A group of activists have joined forces to take over the former Milnsbridge Socialist Club which shut down in June after 121 years.
It is said to be Britain’s oldest surviving socialist club, established in 1892.
The club has been re-named the Red and Green Club as Labour and Green Party activists have teamed up together.
Great radical figures like suffragette leader Christabel Pankhurst, co-founder of the Women’s Social and Political Union, first Labour Chancellor Viscount Philip Snowden and Victor Grayson, elected as Independent Labour MP for the Colne Valley in 1907, have all spoken in the club.
Mr Grayson disappeared in 1920 amid rumours he was about to reveal political corruption at the highest level. The mystery has never been solved.
Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, born nearby, was also a regular visitor.
The group wants to put the club back at the heart of the Colne Valley community and make it a vibrant social and cultural hub.
Golcar Labour councillor Paul Salveson has been elected chairman of the embryonic Milnsbridge Co-operative Society, which will rent the building until the end of the year whilst preparing a bid to buy it.
Green Party activist Charlie Fairbank was elected secretary and treasurer of the new organisation.
Clr Salveson said: “I’m very heartened by the breadth of support for this initiative.
“We have had lots of interest from trade union and community activists, socialists and green campaigners.
“This really is going back to the roots of the socialist club back in the 1890s when a wide range of organisations and political views were welcomed.”
The club was formed by Labour movement pioneers and was based at various locations before settling down to its premises in Bankwell Road just over a century ago.
The co-operative will be exploring ways of purchasing the building and developing a range of activities and facilities.
Independent socialist Richard Murgatroyd, from Golcar, said the building would be a place for the whole community.
“Our vision is to create a space where people and groups from the many diverse strands of the contemporary Left can come together to offer an exciting new resource: a bar, cafe, concert/meeting rooms and office space.
“We’re looking to putting on a range of meetings, music, poetry and educational events.”
The society is seeking professional advice from the Co-operative movement to help with their business plan and legal structure.
To find out more or to offer help contact Clr Salveson on 07795 008691 or e-mail paul.salveson@btinternet.com
