Hartlepool History Then & Now

Tipperary Clubs

Tipperary clubs, such as this one in Lynn Street, West Hartlepool, named after the much loved song, 'it's a long way to Tipperary', were formed during the first world war. Soldiers were billeted in various building such as schools, baths, workhouses, skating rinks, the Town Hall, hotels, and private houses throughout the Hartlepool area before going to the front. These 'Tipperary Clubs' were set up to provide comforts for the troops before they embarked. Sir William Gray provided a piano and the Boy's Brigade provided a billiard table. Writing materials, books, magazines and papers were made available to the troops as well as whist drives, concerts and suppers.

Tipperary Clubs seem to have been peculiar to Hartlepool as I can find no mention of them elsewhere.

A typical tariff in the club would be:-

Cup of coffee ½d

Cup of Cocoa ½d

Cup of tea ½d

A bottle of mineral water 3d

two slices of bread and butter 2d

Buttered Bun 1½d

Buttered Scone 1½d

Cake 1d

Salmon sandwich 3d

Three biscuits 1d