THERE can be no doubting that Addingham Village Social Club is a community hub.

Built in 1902, its Main Street home was originally the base of Addingham and District Conservative and Unionist Club. In 1954 it became the royal British Legion Club and remained so until 2004, when it took on its present guise.

The members’ club - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - is run by Sara Mortimer, who has worked there for eight years and seen the club grow into what it is now.

“We had a full refurbishment seven years ago, bringing the club into the 21st century - this has seen an increase in members,” she says.

“We have a great team that works the bar and a committee that help with the running of the club.”

The well-stocked bar serves many favourites, from hand-pull Tetley’s Bitter to a variety of gins, a range of lagers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.

The club has much to offer the local community. Upstairs, there’s a dart board and full-size competition snooker table.

“We are part of the Otley snooker league with two teams now entered - our A team won division 2 last year, and we also run an internal snooker league,” says Sara.

On the last Sunday of the month the club holds an over 50s’ five-a-side football game involving members and also hosts a cricket match during the summer against Ilkley Bowling Club, both to raise money for local charities.  “We are looking to also start a local bowls competition,” adds Sara. “Once a month we have live music and also run a dominoes competition twice a year.”

Thursday is quiz night where, from 8pm, you can win eight drinks tokens for your team. “We also run a Play your Cards Right competition where you can win a cash prize up to £300.

“We show all live sport including Sky Sports, TNT Sports and some of the games on Amazon. We also have horse racing on daily from Sky Sports Racing and Racing UK.”

Every year the club runs trips for members subsidised by the social fund, to destinations such as to Ripon Races, the coast or a market town. 

“We hold functions such as birthday celebrations and wakes - there is no fee for room hire for members, and catering can be sourced as we do not do food at the club, only a variety of bar snacks, crisps and nuts,” says Sara.

“We really enjoy getting involved in the village, helping with raffles, and other social events such as the beer festival and library association quiz night.”

Sara loves her job.  “Our staff, committee and members are like a family, we are part of the community and happy to help where we can,” she says.

Membership is £10 for the year.  “Anyone interested in joining is welcome to come and try us out before becoming a member,” adds Sara.

*Addingham Village Social Club, 147A Main St, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0LZ.

*addinghamvillagesocialclub.com;  there are regular updates on the club’s Facebook page.  To contact the club please email saraavsc@gmail.com or phone 01943 830507.