Unusual Watering Holes

[1959_60]

On another thread we got to discussing the Idle Working Mens Club in Yarkshire.

Does anyone know of any unusual pubs/clubs that they have visited?

I'd like to nominate the Kimberley Club in the moors above Stacksteads in Rossendale. I haven't been for a few years and I am interested to know if it's still going.

Originally it was a place used by quarrymen after their shift. It was just a wooden hut.

A good few years ago, after the quarries had closed, they brought it from the top of the moors to a site lower down, next to a track. To do this they whitewashed a line between the two points and several burly men simply got inside the hut and followed the line to it's destination.

When I started to go there, there were no toilets, and as far as I am aware, there is still no electricity. To clean the place they have adapted a vacuum cleaner to run on a 2 stroke engine. The beer is hand pumped in the 2cellar". One rule is that when you go to refill your glass you must whistle at all times. This proves that you are not supping the stuff out of sight.
Lighting is via the old gas mantles, and it gives a terrific atmosphere to the place. When I asked them where they got their gas mantles from they replied, "In that box over there"
The place is chock full of memorabilia of old Rossendale and the regulars seem to be able to answer any questions about the history of the Valley.
It (used?) to be open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays - if anyone turned up to open the place. It usually didn't open till turned 9 o'clock, but was open till everyone had had enough.

About 10 years ago, after discussing the place on Clarets-Mad, we arranged a night out there. There was me, the sadly missed Eli, Grumpyoldclaret (does anyone know if he is still knocking around?) and my Dad.
We had a superb evening chatting about the Clarets (my Dad started watching them in the 30's) and cricket. I was astounded that several of the regulars immediately recognised Eli from his Lancs League days - they were ex Bacup players. Eli was certainly a much respected man.
One day this Summer I will make the trek from Morecambe to see if it is still going.

[chalky_ncfc]

What a fascinating story,are you sure that they just picked it up and walked it down to where they wanted it,what I don't understand is why the needed a white line to follow,couldn't they just walk down the hill and put it where it was needed,also how big is the 'pub',it can't be no bigger than than a large shed if it can be manhandled and moved,why do you have to pour your own pints? Having to whistle while you serve yourself seems like something out of Monty Python to me,where did you pay for your drinks,how many could it hold,this story is a good one but is that what it really is,a story?
If it is true and you revisit it,take some photos and put them up on here as I would love to see them

[oldcolner]

Idle Cricket club is also now idle.
Jack Hobbs used to play for them - an interesting epitaph here.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.u..._Cricket_Club/

[1959_60]

Chalky - see the link below.

When the hut was moved the men carrying it had to stand INSIDE it during transportation - hence the white line.

https://visitrossendale.wordpress.co...from-the-past/

[1959_60]

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=1z2iwio" target="_blank"><img src="http://i63.tinypic.com/1z2iwio.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

Have I succeeded in uploading this picture of the interior of the Kimberley Club?

[1959_60]

Bloody hell....

HELP!