The Nelson Club in Warwick’s vision for the future

The Nelson Club in Charles Street, Warwick, was orginally built by world-famous gelatine manufacturers George Nelson and his brother-in-law Thomas Bellamy Dale for their workers at Rock Mills.

It was chemist George who took out a patent for stabilising jellies after first being involved in a business in Leamington that successfully extracted salts from the town’s saline waters.

It’s doubtful the Nelson family could ever have evisaged the club today with its cabaret and quiz nights, snooker and pool tables, not to mention offering regular space for blood donors, slimmers and men wanting checks for prostate cancer.

Current president Paul Stefani lives round the corner and has been a member for the past 39 years.

Paul said: “We’re still going strong after all these years but have decided to update ourselves on Facebook and with a website to keep our 700 members more in touch with what’s going on.

“At the same time we’d rather like to encourage a few more younger members and families to come along and see what we have to offer.

“I’m biased, of course, but it’s a lovely club, very welcoming and with a committee that’s always keen to hear new ideas.”

On at least three days a week Paul, aged 69, can be found dressed in medieval garb welcoming visitors to Warwick Castle.

He added: “The Nelson is open seven nights a week as well as at lunchtimes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I’ve always found our members very generous. We’ve collected a lot of money for charity over the years including last year when we raised £1,000 - half of that went to the Myton Hospices and half to the air ambulance.”

For more information visit the new website on www.nelsonclub.com or email [email protected] or call 01926 775578.