Rainhill Labour Club

This article is about the Rainhill Labour Club, Warburton Hey, Rainhill, Prescot Merseyside L35 4LF United Kingdom.

Rainhill Labour Club was set up over 80 years ago on a small plot of land.  The Labour Club was set up to reflect the “working class” affiliation of the Political Labour Party movement.  A sense of belonging was achieved with the working class as the members of the Rainhill Club were effectively owners of the Club.  Members paid annual subscriptions  which entitled them to an equal share in the Club and reduced admission fees.  Membership often means that the Club’s property was owned freehold and has no landlord or rent to pay.

In return the Rainhill Club (as all Labour Clubs which were being set up across the Country) paid out of the membership fees its “dues” to the Labour Party which obtained a revenue stream for its political fund raising.  Labour Clubs grew in popularity especially in the 1970’s becoming a focal point in the local community.  Most weekends Rainhill Labour Club would have artists performing live on stage to provide entertainment.  Artists booked would be solo female or male artists, groups, comedians and more recently Tribute Bands.

The Rainhill Club also has its own snooker teams, darts team and paid for a pensioners day out to Blackpool and other seaside resorts.  With regular bingo and quiz nights together with favourites like “open the box” and “play your cards right” it provided a varied and popular entertainment.  These type of activities are very much typical of Labour Clubs across the country.

Rainhill Labour Club’s Constitution

Membership entitled the individual members to vote for the Treasurer, Trustees and other Committee Members.  One of the Committee members would be called the “Concert Secretary” who would be employed with sourcing the best local and sometimes national live artists to perform at the Club.  It is often said that many comedians and entertainers had got their break in life by performing at the Labour Clubs and “working man’s Clubs”.

In law a Labour Club does not exist in its own right and cannot be sue or be sued in its own name.  It must always act through its members and therefore third parties contracting with a Labour Club must be careful as to who it is dealing with and ensure if it does sue a Labour Club, it must get the legal documents right.  It is important to always obtain legal advice on the matter.  Furthermore members of a Labour Club cannot hold property in its own right so it must appoint Trustees who will hold the land or property on trust on behalf of its members.  Trustees in this capacity must ensure that they obtain legal advice and suitable indemnities from the members as any loss incurred by a third party dealing with a Labour Club may be required to sue the Trustees.  Trustees cannot be members of the Club.

How Rainhill Labour Club’s Land Is Held

By way of title deed number MS433437 at the Land Registry Birkenhead Office the Proprietorship Register reveals that fact that Rainhill Club’s premises are held in absolute title to the Trustees of the Club.  The Chargers Register refers to an early covenant by way of a conveyance of the land dated the 14 April 1943 made between (1) Liverpool Assets Contract and Property Corporation Limited (Vendors) and (2 William Henry Pennington (Purchaser).  The covenant is simply to bind any other successors in title to respect the front wall of any house or building to be erected which should be in line with the building line and the usual right to drainage and right over land.

Demise of Labour Clubs

As with Public Houses closing every day in the UK, due to the economic climate and smoking ban, Labour Clubs have been closing rapidly.  Indeed Rainhill Labour Club’s own property register reveals a sorry state as it reveals that it has  a secured mortgage on the title.  A reflection of having to borrow money to survive.  The membership now of the Rainhill Labour Club is almost 50/50 over and under 65 years of age.  This is typical of many Labour Clubs, members are getting older, shrinking in numbers and  failure to attract younger members.  This could only mean one thing, closure.  Indeed the Rainhill Labour Club is now subject to a buy out from a lifelong member to try to turn around its fortunes.

Future of Labour Clubs

It is a hard battle to remain open in the current climate.  However if it is able to reduce and keep down costs many may survive but within the next 2 years there will be more blood on the carpet.  As for the Rainhill Labour Club, its constitution may change it  will maintain its beliefs and extend its history by offering a wider range of entertainment and services to attract younger members.  Time will tell but it is looking promising and who knows Labour Clubs may be the hub of the community again.

Note in 2009 the Rainhill Labour Club in name no longer exists.  The Club now operates through a limited company called the Rainhill Club and Sports Lounge Ltd.  There are now no members or committee. The new club offers the same ideals but modernised to keep up with the times to ensure its continued survival.

If you can add to the history of Rainhill Club please leave a message.