THE Furthergate WMC in Blackburn, with a 102-year-old history, will call time for the final time on Friday.

The club, moved to its present site in Cherry Street, next door to the former Palatine Dairies, in 1925, but dwindling numbers have prompted its demise.

This photograph, sent in by trustee John Cruise, who has been involved with the club for 43 years, shows the committee, in the 1980s, during its glory days.

On the front row, from left, are vice president D Moorcroft; secretary, J Bottomley, president P Rourke, trustee S Colquhoun and treasurer L Murphy. At the back are J Slater, B Aspin, E Forest, F Jex, L Mack, John, M Bradley, J Fish, J Smith and B Bentley.

During the 1970s and 1980s Furthergate attracted tops stars, such as The Searchers, The Ivy League and Jerry and the Pacemakers alongside comedians such as Jim Bowen, who made several stage appearances there.

Its concert room could accommodate up to 400 people and would sometimes host boxing matches, to a packed audiences, On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, such would be the crush that customers would get in by 5.30pm to claim a seat and there would be 200 people queuing round the block to get in. The club also used to attract a lot of custom from the dog race track across the road.

With four snooker tables in the games room, which could accommodate 150 people, some of the big names in the sport, including Dennis Taylor and Jimmy White also made guest appearances.

John said: “Another big name was Alex Higgins, who would take any opponent on for half a crown, giving them a 70 start.

“In its heyday, Furthergate was one of the best clubs in Lancashire and its closure is sad, but unfortunately also a sign of the times.”

One of those who will be wishing it a sad farewell this week, will be Billy Blackburn, the club’s longest serving member, who first joined in the mid fifties, 58 years ago.