A Wigan social club approaching its 127th anniversary will host a charity night for Daffodils Dreams

Worsley Mesnes Club was officially opened on April 19, 1899, formed by a group of men, mainly from the Tippings Arms pub, who wanted more space.

It grew into a popular entertainment venue, attracting top local and national artists.

Over the years it has provided charabanc trips for pensioners, an annual children’s club trip to Southport, bingo, darts, dominoes and a host of other activities.

Still on the same site nearly 127 years later, preparations are being made for the club’s next big event – a charity night for Daffodils Dreams.

The organisation, which supports Wigan youngsters and their families by providing essential items and positive life experiences, previously benefited from using the Fairbrother Avenue venue for storage during the pandemic.

Founder Maureen Holcroft said: “This support enabled us to pack our Christmas Eve boxes and sacks of toys, and again at Easter to prepare our Easter bundles. Their generosity and trust made a huge difference to the children and families we support.”

She described the club as “a wonderful community space”, which “continues to play an important role in bringing people together and supporting local causes”.

It was while Maureen was enjoying an evening at the club that the idea of holding an event there was considered.

Concert secretary Linda Campion, who is in the process of redecorating the club, said: “Maureen was at the club on New Year’s Eve and we talked about doing something, so we went to see her afterwards and asked what she wanted to do.

"A couple of years ago she saw a singer and comedian and asked if we could have him, so I booked him. We decided to get some music as well and put that on after the entertainment has finished.”

The event is set to start at 7.30pm on Friday, May 1 and features singer and comedian Paul Allon, bingo, a raffle, a DJ and dancing.

Tickets cost £10, available from the club and Daffodils Dreams’ boutique on Wallgate.