A SOCIAL club in Wirral has had to close its doors after over 120 years due to the "current climate".
West Kirby Social Club opened in 1899, and in 1909 became a working men's club. From 1965 the club was situated at 96 Banks Road.
Val Frost, who has been secretary of the club for six years, spoke to the Globe about her knowledge of the club.
She said: "It was started by fellas working and building the Marine Lake, then it became a working men's club, part of the CIU Union.
"There's two bars and a function room. We also have a snooker table downstairs that's been there since 1906.
"We had snooker team and darts team, who did very well, and we put on private functions, and hosted various bands, tribute acts, quiz night every Sunday and bingo every two weeks."
Sadly, with rising costs, and fewer members, the club announced its closing date as Friday, February 2.
Val added: "We sold the building and took on a lease just before Covid to try and turn it around.
"The last year has been a struggle, we went down different avenues, but none were viable".
On their final day, Harold Rutter, who joined the club when he was 19, rang the bell for last orders, and Val explained it was "very emotional".
She said: "I was born in 1947 and I remember being sat on the snooker table with my nose chalked as a child.
"It is heartbreaking. My grandparents had the flat upstairs, so I remember lots as a toddler.
"It's the timing, location, and the current climate. Electricity and utility bills are just ridiculous, we tried every way we could."
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