"Are you from the D.S.S?, "I'm not very photogenic" and "My face'll break your camera" were some of the things I most often heard while visiting nine Northumberland Working Men's and Social Clubs in late 2023 and early 2024. Of course, the people who say they're not very photogenic usually end up producing the most stunning portraits.

Curious eyes followed me through the door, wondering what I was doing there. People would be wary at first and I would worry I was wasting my time. It had already taken me a lot to get myself in there!
No one wanted their photo taken - until the first person said yes and then a deluge of willing subjects would follow. 

I'd known there would be amazing faces and stories to be found in the clubs - even though, as an autistic teetotaller, I'd never been in one before! I'm glad an Arts Council grant has given me a timely glimpse into these friendly places - which are struggling. They're in competition with chain pubs and, after covid, even more of them are dying - though some of them are joining together, trying to diversify and appeal to new people.

From seventeen old Alan to ninety three year old Val, from those who've been going since "I were a lad" and then brought their own children or grandchildren, to the women who've only been allowed as full members since 2007, and the newbies and older folk who found affordable drinks and a warm atmosphere, the members find a rare sense of community in these buildings. Though there faded decor and underused function rooms, where weddings, christenings, and twenty first birthday celebrations still echo, are a poignant reminder of the glory days when one in ten people in the North East used to belong to a club.

I hoped to photograph all the elements of the Club Culture, not just the seasoned old regulars but the youngsters who use the club for cheap drinks. I was assured they were there but I didn't encounter many and when I did they were strangely reluctant to be photographed, especially given today's obsession with selfies. Maybe I went at the wrong time of day, but at least that gives scope for Club Culture 2.