History of Welfare Clubs

Colliery companies believed that they should provide a miners institute in each of its colliery villages. They felt it was important to have a place where men could enjoy and utilise leisure and social facilities. Of course, this was also where the men could enjoy a few liquid refreshments – in moderation.

The well-being of their workers was something that was also considered by the companies but they believed that providing such welfare clubs in the men's own villages would result in better attendance at work - it therefore became a way of them controlling their work force.

It is common knowledge that miners liked to drink – they liked to believe it was a help in washing the coal dust from their lungs – this was the reason the men usually headed straight for the club. The colliery companies usually placed a drinking restriction on the men – they could only be served so much per day. As the "institutes" enforced such rules, it proves how the company maintained a control over the men in and outside of work.

Next: Forest Town "Welfare" : The Early Years