Pub games and social life these days. (1 Viewer)

Houchens Head · Jul 18, 2018

I got to thinking earlier (yeah, yeah, I know. You thought you could smell something burning!), and was thinking that I hadn't had a game of pool or a game of darts in a pub for years. Why is this? I know the old style pub has all but disappeared and old farts like me aren't catered for any more, but social life as a whole is also disappearing. I can't remember the last time I sat watching a local pub team play a game of darts or that I saw a pool table being used. (There's a pool table in a local pub by me, but no-one really uses it). I remember sitting round a pub table and getting the cards out for a game of cribbage. Not any more. Anyone else find the social life in pubs has drastically changed? The cost of a pint hasn't helped either. It's no wonder so many pubs have closed down. I only started this thread because my favourite pub in Newport looks like it will close soon and it was first licenced in 1550. Very sad.

SkyBlueScottie · Jul 18, 2018

I think this is part of the reason as to why there isnt a sense of community anymore. As the local or the Social Club were often hubs for people. A shame in my view.

Nick · Jul 18, 2018

Imagine asking an 18 year old lad for a game of killer pool.

Westendlad · Jul 18, 2018

Smoking ban did it for me but miss the pool on a Sat evening before heading into town. Sunday lunchtime was always cards time. Good days.

wingy · Jul 18, 2018

Clubs are the best bet for teams
Still going
Out in Pailton the Servicemens club had a brilliant pool team which just kept getting stronger and stronger as each pub closed and their best players almagamated.
Enough for two top teams in the end .
I'm afraid people just don't realise the value to community life they bring
That Club was in real trouble and the Committee we becoming aged
So about five us in 30
's-40's were co-opted on and things turned round.
Had a great ten year innvolvement, such rewarding fun, ,rows and wicked staybacks till four or five in the morning.
Great British Legion Club over in Berkswell /Balsall Common built up from an asbestos Hut in the mid fifties by my dad and all the other ex service committee colleagues to be a smart expansive welcoming venue .
It takes many hours and devotion but well worth it.
It's really sad everything is dying away to the Ether, Volunteers for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are scarce due to how committed to the job we do .
Spelling (predictive crap)

Deleted member 5849 · Jul 18, 2018

wingy said:
Volunteers for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are scarce due to how committed to the job we do .

The local one near me years ago struggled to get volunteers because young men were worried they'd be seen as paedos if they volunteered to help!

Houchens Head · Jul 18, 2018

Westendlad said:
Smoking ban did it for me but miss the pool on a Sat evening before heading into town. Sunday lunchtime was always cards time. Good days.

Even as an ex-smoker, I agree with you WEL. I can't bear smoking these days (typical bloody ex-smoker!), but I thought at the time that banning smoking in a pub was a bit Draconian. Even towards the end there were pubs that would offer a "smoking room" where smokers could still enjoy a ciggie with their pint. But even that wasn't good enough for the government. I know it's a bad habit and these days, I see that, but bugger me, I used to LOVE my small cigars! I got through about 5 Café Crème blues a day. Sometimes tempted to try a small cigar again, just for old times sake, but my old ticker screams at me, "Don't you dare!!" :emoji_sweat: :emoji_coffin:

Astute · Jul 18, 2018

Nick said:
Imagine asking an 18 year old lad for a game of killer pool.

Had a game of killer on warm up to eldest lads stag do. Had to explain the rules. And we were all much older than 18.

I won only losing 1 life. And some wouldn't stop moaning that I kept leaving the ball safe after my shot :smuggrin:

Houchens Head · Jul 18, 2018

Deleted member 5849 said:
The local one near me years ago struggled to get volunteers because young men were worried they'd be seen as paedos if they volunteered to help!

I think that is a fear these days NW. I would have loved to worked with the scouts or similar, but as you say, you are looked upon as some sort of weirdo, same as choir masters. Sad state of today's society.

Westendlad · Jul 18, 2018

Houchens Head said:
Even as an ex-smoker, I agree with you WEL. I can't bear smoking these days (typical bloody ex-smoker!), but I thought at the time that banning smoking in a pub was a bit Draconian. Even towards the end there were pubs that would offer a "smoking room" where smokers could still enjoy a ciggie with their pint. But even that wasn't good enough for the government. I know it's a bad habit and these days, I see that, but bugger me, I used to LOVE my small cigars! I got through about 5 Café Crème blues a day. Sometimes tempted to try a small cigar again, just for old times sake, but my old ticker screams at me, "Don't you dare!!" :emoji_sweat: :emoji_coffin:

It is a horrible habit and wish i never bloody started. Keep meaning to try those e cigs things, maybe one day i will. I used to go in the Market Tavern and you had to wave the smoke away to see the bar !!

Houchens Head · Jul 18, 2018

Westendlad said:
It is a horrible habit and wish i never bloody started. Keep meaning to try those e cigs things, maybe one day i will. I used to go in the Market Tavern and you had to wave the smoke away to see the bar !!

I started aged 11. My older brother smoked and just to be part of the "bigger lads" gang, I started as well. Never gave up until after my 3rd heart attack. I still had a further H.A. after that, but that one wasn't as bad as the others! I just stopped and went cold turkey. I think I was one of the lucky ones who found it easy, but I know how hard it could be for some people. My missus gave up using patches. I grew up believing I'd be buried (or burnt) with a cigar in me gob!

Westendlad · Jul 18, 2018

Houchens Head said:
I started aged 11. My older brother smoked and just to be part of the "bigger lads" gang, I started as well. Never gave up until after my 3rd heart attack. I still had a further H.A. after that, but that one wasn't as bad as the others! I just stopped and went cold turkey. I think I was one of the lucky ones who found it easy, but I know how hard it could be for some people. My missus gave up using patches. I grew up believing I'd be buried (or burnt) with a cigar in me gob!

Yeah i started about 11 and same reason.......Lucky boy HH.!!.....You need to really want to give up and i guess i'm just not ready yet.

Ranjit Bhurpa · Jul 19, 2018

wingy said:
Clubs are the best bet for teams
Still going
Out in Pailton the Servicemens club had a brilliant pool team which just kept getting stronger and stronger as each pub closed and their best players almagamated.
Enough for two top teams in the end .
I'm afraid people just don't realise the value to community life they bring
That Club was in real trouble and the Committee we becoming aged
So about five us in 30
's-40's were co-opted on and things turned round.
Had a great ten year innvolvement, such rewarding fun, ,rows and wicked staybacks till four or five in the morning.
Great British Legion Club over in Berkswell /Balsall Common built up from an asbestos Hut in the mid fifties by my dad and all the other ex service committee colleagues to be a smart expansive welcoming venue .
It takes many hours and devotion but well worth it.
It's really sad everything is dying away to the Ether, Volunteers for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are scarce due to how committed to the job we do .
Spelling (predictive crap)

Whilst living up in Lancashire c.30 years ago, I joined a social club and found out they participated in a winter games league that involved 10 or 12 clubs within a 5 mile radius.
These clubs covered a broad selection of the community - work based (BL and Milk Marketing Board), political, religious, services based (RAFA and 55th) and others such as the British Legion and local deaf club.
Matches were played home and away over a 6 month period covering snooker, darts, dominoes, crib and Welsh Don. It was not uncommon for our club to have 40 people as team members for each match.
Games were played on a Wednesday night and provided much needed bar revenue for the host club. Free food was also provided. I only played snooker and occasionally darts if we were short on numbers but always stayed for the full duration from 7 until after 11 to support fellow team members and enjoy the craic. Whilst it was very competitive, it was a bloody enjoyable evening fostering good relations with clubs and people you wouldn't normally socialise with.
I very rarely go back to the town these days but I bet there are maybe only 3 of these clubs still open these days.
As others have said, it's a sad reflection of the times.

Nick · Jul 19, 2018

Social clubs are still decent for cheap drinks.

I still remember being about 16/17 and when they would give it the "You will be up in front of the committee" if you did something wrong in there as if you would be sent to prison.

Ranjit Bhurpa · Jul 19, 2018

Nick said:
Social clubs are still decent for cheap drinks.

I still remember being about 16/17 and when they would give it the "You will be up in front of the committee" if you did something wrong in there as if you would be sent to prison.

As parodied by the Wheetappers and Shunters and also Phoenix Nights, committee members saw themselves as all powerful.
The general manager of our club, which admittedly was a large corporately funded social and athletic club, received a company car.

martcov · Jul 19, 2018

Nick said:
Imagine asking an 18 year old lad for a game of killer pool.

He would ask if it was apple or android.

Nick · Jul 19, 2018

Ranjit Bhurpa said:
As parodied by the Wheetappers and Shunters and also Phoenix Nights, committee members saw themselves as all powerful.
The general manager of our club, which admittedly was a large corporately funded social and athletic club, received a company car.

Really? ha

Yeah they used to stroll around like they were superstars. "You had better stop doing trick shots on that snooker table else you will be up in front of the committee on Monday"

Imagine that nowadays, they would get stabbed on the spot.

Ranjit Bhurpa · Jul 19, 2018

Nick said:
Social clubs are still decent for cheap drinks.

I still remember being about 16/17 and when they would give it the "You will be up in front of the committee" if you did something wrong in there as if you would be sent to prison.

Cheap beer was one of the attractions and also the variety of beers and lagers available across the range of clubs.
We always looked forward to games at the Knights of St Columba club which served draught Ayingerbrau. Usually resulted in a lock in til about 2 in the morning.

Nick · Jul 19, 2018

Always put on kids Xmas parties too for some pop, crisps and a present!

Bumberclart · Jul 19, 2018

I moved house last year, and joined the local Liberal club. Yes, the décor is very tired, and there is a feint whiff of 'old man' in there. But, the beer is cheap, the snooker tables are great quality, and most of the clientele are friendly and like a good chat.

jimmyhillsfanclub · Jul 19, 2018

Still a few boozers round my way with pool tables.....although you often have to fish out all the empty beak bags from the table pockets before playing.....

fernandopartridge · Jul 19, 2018

Bumberclart said:
I moved house last year, and joined the local Liberal club. Yes, the décor is very tired, and there is a feint whiff of 'old man' in there. But, the beer is cheap, the snooker tables are great quality, and most of the clientele are friendly and like a good chat.

There's a Comrades club near me (over the other side of the hill from you). It's £2 a year to be a member (though you can drink in there anyway), really nicely kept little club and a degree of respect for others in there. It's got games teams as well.

bringbackrattles · Jul 19, 2018

Houchens Head said:
I got to thinking earlier (yeah, yeah, I know. You thought you could smell something burning!), and was thinking that I hadn't had a game of pool or a game of darts in a pub for years. Why is this? I know the old style pub has all but disappeared and old farts like me aren't catered for any more, but social life as a whole is also disappearing. I can't remember the last time I sat watching a local pub team play a game of darts or that I saw a pool table being used. (There's a pool table in a local pub by me, but no-one really uses it). I remember sitting round a pub table and getting the cards out for a game of cribbage. Not any more. Anyone else find the social life in pubs has drastically changed? The cost of a pint hasn't helped either. It's no wonder so many pubs have closed down. I only started this thread because my favourite pub in Newport looks like it will close soon and it was first licenced in 1550. Very sad.

bringbackrattles · Jul 19, 2018

I was only talking about this recently. The pubs were busy for the World Cup, but they are on the decline. Closing down and being turned into flats etc. People seem to drink at home more now,and in this hot weather have barbecues. I love pubs in which I mean proper pubs, not pubs turned into restaurants, with kids running about. I can't wait to the start of the season to meet up with my football mates again, get the jukebox on, have the banter, some beers, sometimes too many, games of pool if you want, but just the whole afternoon/evening crack. I remember going out at least 5 times a week to my local and up the town, we all did it. Now its once a week during the season,but its that enjoyable you look forward to it. But it is dying,but at least I visited pubs when they were popular when if you missed a night,you'd be sat at home thinking I wonder what's going on ? Now I'm not bothered !

Nick · Jul 19, 2018

bringbackrattles said:
I was only talking about this recently. The pubs were busy for the World Cup, but they are on the decline. Closing down and being turned into flats etc. People seem to drink at home more now,and in this hot weather have barbecues. I love pubs in which I mean proper pubs, not pubs turned into restaurants, with kids running about. I can't wait to the start of the season to meet up with my football mates again, get the jukebox on, have the banter, some beers, sometimes too many, games of pool if you want, but just the whole afternoon/evening crack. I remember going out at least 5 times a week to my local and up the town, we all did it. Now its once a week during the season,but its that enjoyable you look forward to it. But it is dying,but at least I visited pubs when they were popular when if you missed a night,you'd be sat at home thinking I wonder what's going on ? Now I'm not bothered !

Have said about it on other pub threads.

When I was about 17-18 the general meeting place would be in the pub. Would go and play pool and whack the jukebox on if we finished work early and have a pint and just generally mess about. Then people would turn up you know and it goes from there. At the weekend would play football then to the pub for food and to watch the football.

It's as if it has died out with the younger people. I reckon social media has played a part in it as well as all of the other reasons, going to the pub pretty much was where you catch up with your mates, somebody has a dodgy video on their phone they show it round, taking the piss out of new haircuts etc. Now it's all done instantly online so people get there and have nothing to talk about.

The other thing is coffee shops, does actually anger me to see groups of lads going for coffee. Hope their parents are proud.

bringbackrattles · Jul 19, 2018

Nick said:
Have said about it on other pub threads.

When I was about 17-18 the general meeting place would be in the pub. Would go and play pool and whack the jukebox on if we finished work early and have a pint and just generally mess about. Then people would turn up you know and it goes from there. At the weekend would play football then to the pub for food and to watch the football.

It's as if it has died out with the younger people. I reckon social media has played a part in it as well as all of the other reasons, going to the pub pretty much was where you catch up with your mates, somebody has a dodgy video on their phone they show it round, taking the piss out of new haircuts etc. Now it's all done instantly online so people get there and have nothing to talk about.

The other thing is coffee shops, does actually anger me to see groups of lads going for coffee. Hope their parents are proud.

My dad went to the pub as his dad did and I followed it on. All my pals were drinkers,if one said he fancied a soft drink he'd get the piss taken out of him, you drank and that was it. Looking back was it a good thing ? I had some great times in pubs/clubs met some nice women, but also had some bad times too, fights etc,but it was all part of it all. Houch would know all about that era too, we grew up in that time,so that's all you knew.

shmmeee · Jul 19, 2018

My mate run the bar at the Green Lane Club, it's dying on its arse. Barely anyone there, he's trying to get people in but it's a hard sell. Real shame cos when I was younger it'd be full and cheap and all the things were talking about.

Anyone got any great ideas I can pass on to revive these places? It's basically a room for hire and a private bar for about 20 members now. Beers still cheap but it's chicken and egg: people won't stay if it's empty and it won't stop being empty until people come. I said just focus on renting out the space but it doesn't solve the underlying problem.

Nick · Jul 19, 2018

shmmeee said:
My mate run the bar at the Green Lane Club, it's dying on its arse. Barely anyone there, he's trying to get people in but it's a hard sell. Real shame cos when I was younger it'd be full and cheap and all the things were talking about.

Anyone got any great ideas I can pass on to revive these places? It's basically a room for hire and a private bar for about 20 members now. Beers still cheap but it's chicken and egg: people won't stay if it's empty and it won't stop being empty until people come. I said just focus on renting out the space but it doesn't solve the underlying problem.

Has he got a football team playing from there?

shmmeee · Jul 19, 2018

Nick said:
Has he got a football team playing from there?

Don't think so. How would he go about it? Should he just move one up from London?

Nick · Jul 19, 2018

shmmeee said:
Don't think so. How would he go about it? Should he just move one up from London?

Do it!

Now would be the time before the season, no idea how. Social media I guess

That way you get people in every week, likely to use it on non football days as a base too!

Houchens Head · Jul 19, 2018

Nick said:
Do it!

Now would be the time before the season, no idea how. Social media I guess

That way you get people in every week, likely to use it on non football days as a base too!

Advert in Telegraph? Something like:
"Football players wanted. Age 18 - ? (whatever age you want). Looking to set up a pub team locally. Must show commitment to training once a week and a full game at week-ends (or whenever). Contact (name) on (number) or email ----- @------"
Should bring in a few replies.

Ian1779 · Jul 20, 2018

You could try a vets team maybe? More likely to get the locals involved and then everyone back at the club afterwards, rather than off into town or something.

SBAndy · Jul 20, 2018

One of my long-standing opinions is that tax should be severely cut on licensed premises and levied onto supermarket alcohol. Community is dying, you're right. I'm 26 and still frequently go down the pub to catch up with people, or over to the cricket club on a Saturday in the summer to get some sun and have a few beers. The nature of people drinking at home should be reined in to allow pubs etc to thrive and generate more in corp tax/income tax, but when you can buy 24 Budweiser for £13 at Asda, yet the same costs north of £60 if you're out, then it's going to lead to more people choosing to drink at home and more pubs will close as a result.

jimmyhillsfanclub · Jul 20, 2018

When I was a youngster, hitch hiking round Europe, I once wrote a comedy song....*cringes* .....called "pas de barres pour moi"......

Basically a witty guitar ditty declaring that if I were a Frenchman, I'd never drink in bars......having just been charged more for a snigle beer at a cafe than the full crate of kronenbourg I'd just bought from the campsite supermarche........

ah well....plus ca change as they say.......happy Friday folks.

fernandopartridge · Jul 20, 2018

SBAndy said:
One of my long-standing opinions is that tax should be severely cut on licensed premises and levied onto supermarket alcohol. Community is dying, you're right. I'm 26 and still frequently go down the pub to catch up with people, or over to the cricket club on a Saturday in the summer to get some sun and have a few beers. The nature of people drinking at home should be reined in to allow pubs etc to thrive and generate more in corp tax/income tax, but when you can buy 24 Budweiser for £13 at Asda, yet the same costs north of £60 if you're out, then it's going to lead to more people choosing to drink at home and more pubs will close as a result.

I agree completely

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