Laughter comes from the main bar area of the Broadstairs and St Peter’s Comrades Club as women from the Crafty Crafters group knit, crochet and chat.
The gathering is something that would not have been possible just over a year ago at what was then a men-only members club.
But, a year under the stewardship of landlady Natalie Thomas has seen many changes – including the opening up of membership to everyone.
The club is thought to have been established in 1919 by First World War veterans with women previously able to become ‘associated’ members, through a partner/husband, but in January the committee decided to go all in with the full member option.
Crafty Crafter Bernardina Vilarino said: “We started here in November and can have up to 26 people, anyone is welcome, male or female.
“We do card-making (homemade cards can be bought at the bar), crochet, knitting. Some people just come to chat.
“We bring in raffle prizes to support the club, we bring in gifts that help pay for costs as we get the space free with just a donation for the teas and coffees.
“We celebrate birthdays, bringing cake and gifts, and we join in the club activities. We are all now members of the Comrade Club. It’s opened up a social life for us ladies in a safe environment.”
The crafters, who meet at the club every Tuesday morning, also make prem baby outfits for QEQM Hospital special care baby unit and small gifts used by Blackburns funeral directors.
Bernardina added: “We teach people if they don’t know how to knit or crochet and we have some people that just want to come along and have a chat, so we are very social.
“We also do meals out and have barbecues (at the club.)
“We wouldn’t be here, having the fun we have, without Natalie’s stewardship. She’s a diamond.”
And that’s not the only change since Natalie took the helm. The club now has a pretty beer garden where an old shed once stood and a full programme of events from live music to barbecues, bingo and quiz nights.
Mum-of-one Natalie, who formerly worked at the Belle Vue in Ramsgate, said: “I created a garden at the back. There was a shed here before so that had to be cleared out and pulled down, the I put in screens and plants. We started in March and it was ready for our first barbecue in May.
“We have lots of different events now and even have a couple of weekend trips planned. The barbecues have a really good turn out and people love it. We are starting to see an uptick and there are lots of women joining now which is something I wanted.”
The club is owned by the membership with a committee taking any necessary decisions.
Find it at 5 St Peters Road, Broadstairs or on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581261998776
