Some curiosities from the Club's early days
- The first housekeeper’s wages were £35 a year, with lodging, coal and light
- The Committee was at one stage much exercised over the employment of a cook who was married. This was felt to be unsuitable. She was appointed because the rival candidate was not competent – but only ‘subject to strict references as to character’
- In 1890 the Committee decided that besides sherry and claret the club would stock a small supply of port and mineral waters
- In the early days, whisky was sold by the half-inch. It was the Secretary’s job to mark the bottle
- At the turn of the century, guest with bicycles had to keep them in their bedrooms, to avoid cluttering up the staircase
- Dogs were not admitted, but were frequently smuggled in. Tradition has it that on one occasion two goats were turned away
- In 1904 the club acquired a smoking room. Up till then members had to use the Secretary's office at specified times
- In 1928 it was decided that the Club Secretary should become Manageress at a salary £250 a year, but without a share of the gratuity box
