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Long wait for equality
by Rob Dawson2/ 7/2008
A ‘MEN ONLY’ club in Heaton Moor is preparing to open its doors to women for the first time in 127 years.
The Heaton Moor Conservative Club on Heaton Moor Road, was built in 1881 as a private members club for supporters of the Conservative Party - but even the Iron Lady wouldn’t have gained entry.
That's all about to change. Women will now be allowed to become members at the re-named Moor Club, and new secretary John Wood says it is a step in the right direction.
"We are delighted to welcome women as members of the Moor Club. We are taking the club in a completely new direction and that includes opening it up to women."
Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, a campaigner for women’s rights, added: "I am delighted that women are now allowed in the club. I am a firm believer that it is the job of the board to set membership rules but it is always good when that includes women."
The club has already had a good response from prospective members, including women, and John says it is a sign that times are changing.
"We have already had applications from six women. They are mainly the partners of members and have been suggesting for quite a while that we change the rules. We are hoping to attract more new members, including women and juniors. It is a step that the old board never thought would happen - but the members have told us they wanted a change and there was a unanimous vote at the AGM."
Allowing women into the club is part of an overhaul ‘old-fashioned culture’.
"We have changed the name to the Moor Club to emphasise that it is no longer a political club. We want to end the old-fashioned culture. There may still be a place for men-only clubs, it’s just not here. In the past people have been put off because of the fuddy-duddy culture that surrounds the place. We want to change that by appealing to a younger and more diverse clientele."
For more information about facilities and membership you can contact the Moor Club on 432 2142.
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It's interesting that "the members have told us they wanted a change and there was a unanimous vote at the AGM". One wonders how much of that was pressure from Equality and Diversity laws, marital harmony and commercial considerations (ie more money) from "appealing to a younger and more diverse clientele".
Women are wonderful creatures to be treasured; but it is nice to have a refuge from them now and again.
18/07/2008 at 09:18