A HALESOWEN social club which was caught breaching lockdown is looking forward to celebrating its centenary after a new management committee took over the reins.
Coombswood Sports and Social Club was caught by police holding a string of illegal lock-ins in January.
Fines of up to £1k were issued and the club surrendered its licence after CCTV footage revealed groups of people drinking on at least 14 occasions.
There were resignations and staff were dismissed - the club is now looking forward to the future with a new management committee and bar manager Dawn Bubb at the helm.
Dawn has 40 years experience in the trade and has won several CAMRA club awards.
A club spokesman said it is welcoming a "new era as its 100th anniversary celebrations begin in earnest after a difficult start to 2021."
The outdoor seating area
The club, established in 1921 by Stewarts and Lloyds, has now got a permanent licence back and committee members have spent the last week giving it a makeover inside.
It has taken on extra staff to operate a table service.
The club, which boasts cricket, bowls, pool, football and darts teams, reopened the doors to its Stewarts Road bar and lounge yesterday (Monday May 17) , following the easing of restrictions, and is looking to build on its 650-strong membership.
It is staging a family fun day on Sunday August 29 - summer bank holiday - which will be the highlight of its 100th anniversary.
The club has been given a revamp
Interim Chairman, Geoff Lawson, admits it has not been the start to the centenary the club had hoped for but said it is looking forward to a positive future.
Geoff said: “What happened earlier this year is absolutely unacceptable.
“A new committee was quickly established in order to protect the long-term future of a club that means so much to so many people.
“The new committee has worked tirelessly to overcome numerous challenges this year and I’d like to thank them all for their efforts.
"Now, having put the right people in place, we are ready to celebrate our centenary in style.
“We are welcoming new members to the club to share in our vision of a family-friendly environment for all.
“The club has long been celebrated for the quality of its beer and in Dawn we have a bar manager with 40 years’ experience.
"In her previous role Dawn won the CAMRA Gold Award for ‘Club of the Year’ three years running and has also worked for Mitchells and Butlers and Black Country Ales, so there should be no concerns there.
“Please, come and join us for a pint when you can, you’ll receive the warmest of welcomes.”
The club serves cold food including cobs. Children and non-members are welcome.
The club
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