The History of the Club and Oak LodgeÂ
This page is currently under development and not the finished article. If anyone has any information / old photos / previous minutes, please email get in touchÂ
1903
Shirley Heath was largely agricultural, with small farm buildings; some of those buildings still survive, such as 130 236 Widney Lane and Walnut Tree Cottage on Widney Lane, Solihull
Oak Lodge, the house that later became the Shirley Club, first appeared on an Ordnance Survey in 1905 and the 1911 Census. It was likely built sometime between 1901-1903. The house was built initially semi-detached, and the road was named Cranmore Road, later changing to Marshall Lake Road. View each map by clicking on the year; 1903, 1938, 1939,1954
Ordnance Survey Example Map, Follow links on years to see
1932
After William Vaughan's death in 1932, his esate, including Oak Lodge, was left to Annie Vaughan.
1911
The 1911 Census recorded the residents of the house as James Watkins Webb, who was 75 years old from Kidderminster, then a retired cabinet maker, with his wife, Louisa Webb, from Dudley. They had one domestic servant, Lizzie Hurst, 19 Years
1921
The 1921 Census shows a new family living in Oak Lodgem the Vaughans. Mr William James Vaughan 47 years old, worked as the Managing Director of Jones Harley & Co. Merchants in Timber, Slate and Sawmill. His wife Annie E Vaughan,39 years old, their oldest son Charles S Vaughan, 20 years old, working as a Clerk within the same company, William J Vaughan 15 years old and the two daughters Dorothy B Vaughan 10 years old and Mildred Vaughan 9 years old plus their 3 servants; a housekeeper, a nanny and general domestic servant.
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!921 Census page Image to come
Image; 1921 Census courtesy findmypast.co.uk
Image; 1911 census, courtesy of ancestry.co.uk
1933
In July 1933, the Shirley Rate Payers Association purchased Oak Lodge for £1,225. The association paid a £500 deposit, believing the extra money would come from memberships. Oak Lodge came with three acres, an "old-world" garden, and a tennis court. Plans for the future included adding three more courts and a football pitch.
The Shirley Rate Payers Association's membership was half a crown. The committee wanted the members to feel they were getting something for their money. To raise capital, £235 of £1 shares were offered, 30 of which were taken on the first meeting. The Billard Hall was £214 to erect, £35 loaned by Mr Manley as a down payment for the tables. Later, the Dance Hall was added at a cost of £234. Mr Manley said the club is "where a man could take his wife or children. There could be healthy social intercourse and recreation under pleasant and friendly conditions. If a member only had one share, it would make no difference to a member with 50".
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Warwickshire County News 7th October 1933
Oak Lodge was formally opened in October 1933 by Arther Steel Maitland, MP for Tamworth, He is pictured above with Mr C Hook (President), Councillor L. C. Walker, Mr Arthur Maisley, Mr George Featherstone, Mr A Ford, Colonel G Baldwin Webb Captain J D R Ladingham, Mr Clement Hoult, Major Bleambassett, Councilor Maurice Walker, Councilor Bevan, Mr John Burham and Mr Cracknell. At the event, Mr Ford said the club was a "Power for mutual help in the district."
1934
The first Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place in March 1934 in Oak Lodge, lasting 3 hours. Councilour L. C Walker, The Secretary, presented his first report after just three months of trading—the first recorded minutes are dated July 1933. Mr Randell, the president of the Small Heath Gardeners Club, explained the workings of clubs with shares. Mr George Featherstone fronted the finances for the dance hall until profits from the dances could pay him back. Mr Featherstone was allowed to take £200 at a 5 per cent charge against the property until the loan was repaid. To allow members to keep in touch with the committee a suggestions box was installed at the club. Mr Walker said his work as Secretary had been arduous, and he thanked his wife for her patience and her unselfishness regarding the loss of his company.
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1932
The Shirley Ratepayers Association was established to support ratepayers (everyday folk paying council tax) who may not have appropriate representation. Although the exact formation date is unclear, they likely officially formed in 1932 when the rural district was transformed into an Urban District Council (UDC) following the Warwickshire Review Order of 1932. The Shirley Ratepayers had three members representing the new council: Mr L. C. Walker, Dr J. Coole Kneale, and R. H. Davies. Examples of the association's support include helping a man laid off from his job three months before his pension began and with no means of supporting himself. In another instance, a man fell behind on mortgage payments after losing his job due to illness, The association was able to obtain a grace period until alternative employment was found. The association also initiated a petition to raise the wages of the council's manual workers. Additionally, fundraising activities were organized to support the poorest children in the area with summer trips and Christmas functions.
Warwickshire County News Jan 16th 1932
Councilor L. C. Walker, pictured, receiving his award as a lifetime member of the Shirley North and Southward Ratepayers Association (April 22nd 1933)
A need was identified for the association to have their own venue for meetings but also to provide Shirley with a premier Social Club. Pictured right the Shirley Rate Payers Association dinner at the Plume of Feathers 9th April 1932
Warwickshire County News April 22nd 1933
This lengthy report of the 1932 AGM shows a club in formation. Mr Newell, a unionist official, stated he was in a difficult position as a club member, making it very clear that the Rate Payers Association was not affiliated with any politics. The association has members on the council to support and represent the ratepayers. However, the club is not affiliated with any particular party. At the time, all Unionist parties were backing Labour across the country. Still, Mr Newel wanted to help the Rate Payers candidate for the good of the ratepayers, which had nothing to do with any political party.
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Procuring a venue was also raised. Mr Ford had put forward a scheme involving talks of £5,000 - £6,000. Mr Ford blamed committee members for "lacking in vision" for asserting that no suitable sites were available.
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Mr Ford warned that there would never be a suitable site if a site weren't found soon, with all the development happening in the area. Mr Ford compared a Social Club to a Cinema, "There was not the slightest financial difficulty with the matter, Social Clubs were always successful!" He himself had a guarantee of up to £6000. However, the committee was not behind the idea; it felt it was too 'Grandiose'. The chairman suggested a smaller plan, saying that something like Earlswood Social Club was what he had in mind.
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Council L. C Walker suggested such a sum was unnecessary and explained how 30 members could get the club started and be built around the members. The Chairman felt this was worth the committee pursuing.
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At the time of the meeting, the association had 230 members with just 100 with paid subscriptions. When discussing the club's growth, Mr N Williams said it was the residents' duty to approach the association, not the association to approach them.
Warwickshire County News 16th january 1932
Warwickshire County News 9th April 1932
1934
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In 1934, a large majority decided to change the club's name to the Shirley Social Club. Mr Bowes proposed changing the name from the Ratepayers Association to The Shirley Social Club. Among other changes, they removed the following from the rule book: "that the club shall provide a meeting place for and generally further the interests of the Ratepayers Association" Mr Bowes reported that the club was now its own entity and would continue to grow in importance, believing it to become a premier organisation in Shirley. "we do not want to hang off the apron strings of another organisation" Mr Ford made a strong protest against "rushing this matter through" saying "the club was formed by the association for the association" of whom some of them had put money in for that reason. Mr Ford stated, "The least that could be done was to allow those people to withdraw their money, The club was a child kicking over its traces, and it did not rebound to the credit of the club when it tried to oust the association for the benefit of which it was formed" Mr Manley, Chairman gave the argument "if the club were going down the association would not support it" Mr R Jones, spoke of how loyal Mr Ford had been to the association, agreeing the association was formed to "help the bottom dog" however the bulk of members had not been able to afford the £1 share and the subscription 2s.6d. Funds could be withdrawn but only be when the club was in stability and they would payout on a rotation.
Warwick County 15th September 1934
1935
The General Meeting held in March 1935 reported on the club's financial difficulties in funding the renovations needed. The club purchased the field opposite, installed a ladies' room and added a bar. Discussions were made regarding a new committee being formed and putting methods into practice on how the club carries out its activities. The current president, Mr G Walker, said his position as president over, the prior year had been difficult. "It would be a very clever man, who could please every member of the club". The ladies of the club were thanked for their fundraising. Suggestions were made to reduce the share price of a £1 (required for membership) however this was declined.
Warwickshire County News 2nd March 1935
1937
26th Feb 1938
By 1937, the club was prospering. President George Wheeldon says that 1937 was the first year the committee didn't have to do their work under financial restrictions. Members observed the continued improvement to the club premises, all of which had taken place with the member's comfort in mind. Whilst the club was in profit, it was decided dividends wouldn't be paid out as there was still work to be carried out. Mr Wheeldon hoped that that would be possible in the next half-yearly meeting.
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1939
The club continued to work with children in the area. Providing afternoon tea and a Punch and Judy Show plus an exhibition of films provided by John Ostins and with a music concert given by Harry (Jim) Bates, Mr Harold and Wall Mr Ronald Finney. Even Santa Claus made an appearance thanks to Mr Olly Gulliver. Thanks were given to the entertainment committee (Masters Q R, Gulliver S M, Dean S, Egerton and H Bates, Mr S R Tinsley)
Warwick County News 26th February 1938
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Warwickshire County News 14th Janaury 1939
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The Warwickshire County News 11th March 1939
1939
The AGM in 1939 reported Mr Wheeldon (President and Chairman) spoke about the progress in memberships and the atmosphere in the club. He thanked office members and also thanked the members for upholding the prestige of the club. They discussed how steps would need to be taken by the committee to regulate the new members. A vote was taken, and the joining age rose from 18 to 21. The balance sheet showed healthy results, and it was the first time in 6 years that a dividend would be paid to new members. Dividends would be 21% of all paid shares.
1941
March 11th: No Blitz Night
Members of the Shirley Social Club enjoyed a "No Blitz Night" party. The President's snooker team, having lost a snooker tournament, was required to provide a sausage and mash supper, which they did in good grace, raising £22 for The Red Cross.
The Warwickshire County News 18th January 1941
The Children's Christmas Parties continue, offering films of Micky Mouse and Betty Boop. Special thanks are given to Mr Les Amis Q R Gulliver, S M Bates, Mr Dean Eggeraton and H Bates, who did the organising and fundraising for the event.
1942
1944
November 25th 1944
The club played host to 34 wounded Polish soldiers for a cold chicken supper concert and dance. The Saracen's Head cooked the chickens. The Polish men came from the Totehill and Tudor Grange auxiliaries. The entertainment included comedy from a well-known comedian Dick Lawler and music from the former Covent Garden John Lewis. Eisie Wheelan, currently serving in W.A.A.F, and the president's daughter, provided a contralto voice. Further music came from radio and stage pianist Harry Engleman. Jenson Leng, a Royal Command illusionist from Hall Green, was also on the bill, and the evening's compare was Raymond Green. When the evening concluded at 10 pm, the Polish men thanked the club with three cheers and shouted, "Good, Very Good" Chocolates and cigarettes were presented to the men.
The Warwickshire County 25th November 1944
1947
The earliest group committee photo was held (as far as we know) in 1947. See Mr G Wheeldon, fourth from the left back row, as mentioned above.
1948-51
The Shirley Club is excited to share a unique piece of its history with you. Susan Saw (previously Kuffer) has provided us with a recording made between 1948 and 1951 after a football match. The recording features the voices of Dorris Kuffer, Rosie Davies, Jim Davis, and Denniss Kuffer, two of whom were Susan's parents. This recording is a one-of-a-kind treasure and offers a glimpse into the spirit and camaraderie of The Shirley Club.
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1952
This Aerial photograph of the paper mill that covered the area of Crannmore Business Park shows Oak Lodge and its neighbour.
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1966
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1966
|Warickshire and Solihull News 1966
Picture taken at the 17th Annual Dinner and dance at the George Hotel. Mayor and Mairess Councillor and Mrs Norman Bradbeer with the president and his wife Mr E T Mrs Breakwell
Shirley Social club 11th annual dinner and dance held at the George Hotel. Solihull Mayor and Mairess with the President Mr and Mrs Wynne Thomas with Mr and Mrs Eggerton.
Warwickshire and Solihull News 1972
1972
1973 Planning Application
2017
The club had a name change dropping the (social) part. As known today the Shirley Club.
Probate, 1933 Vaughan Page 211 curtasy Antcestry.co.uk
1946Â
International Resue
March 23rd
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