Based in Kent Southeast England Bexleyheath Working Men’s Club is a members only club. The members are able to enjoy various social activity throughout the year seven days a week, including Bingo, listening to Tribute Bands, Live Music and Dance.

The Club provides a safe place for members to socialise where upon arrival a member of staff will individually check that you have your members card and have paid annual /monthly ticket before entry to the club.

Members come to enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as board and card games, darts, snooker at club competition level. All trophy’s displayed proudly in the cabinets around the club.

My introduction to the club members was on a Tuesday afternoon shortly before the Bingo was due to start, I was chaperoned by the Committee Chair Member to the front of the hall, microphone placed in hand and stood before the members to explain why I was in their club, to explore the Social Environment and dynamics within a members only club. I felt like a rabbit caught in the head lights but was quickly put at ease as soon as the 100 so people started to smile back at me and even waved me over to introduce themselves and shout aloud “take a picture of me!”

Since the beginning of November 2019 I made regular visits to the social club getting to know the members. Members would regularly sit in their same (good luck) seat, chatter amongst the same friends, position their good luck charms accordingly on their table.

A community space formed for those to enjoy each other’s company speaking fondly how friendships have grown and those that are sadly lost, what they would be having for tea that evening and what exciting upcoming social events they would be attending. Familiarity and routine was quite common to see within the social clubs.