THREE of the longest serving members of a popular gentlemen’s club have been honoured.

Ralph Manners, Mike Boyd and Bill Stenson have each been members of Darlington’s New Club for 50 years or more.

To honour their commitment, a plaque was unveiled at the club’s Quebec Street premises earlier this week.

Mr Stenson, an 86-year-old borough councillor and former builder, said: “It is such a nice club and a nice place to be. I am also on the committee.

“There is a real mix of people there. When I joined in 1965 there were all sorts of people there, solicitors, doctors, farmers.

“I come about once or twice a week now, but used to go more often. I enjoy the companionship the most.”

The club opened in 1909 and moved to its current premises in Quebec Street – the former home of the North Star newspaper, the Conservative rival of the Liberal Northern Echo - in 1927.

The journalists’ offices on the first floor were converted into private rooms which were connected to the bar by a bell which summoned the steward, while the composing room was turned into a snooker hall.

For more than 100 years it has provided its 140 all-male members with a place to drink, play snooker, read newspapers, watch television and socialise with other working or retired men.

The traditional club has often been described as one of Darlington’s best kept secrets as many residents do not know where it is – opposite Wikinsons behind a blank door with a picture of a key in the glass above it.

Club steward, Mike Anderson, said: “A lot of people do not know about it – it is one of Darlington’s best kept secrets.

“Although we are not secretive at all and always encourage new members to join.

“It is a little bit of an oasis of calm in the middle of the town centre.

“It is very traditional with lots of oak panelling and snooker tables. Until a few years ago we had quite a strict dress code, but now it is much more relaxed.”

Commenting on Mr Manners, Mr Boyd and Mr Stenson’s achievement, he said: “I would say it is a remarkable achievement to stay as board members for that period of time.”

Enquiries from new members are always welcome.