Two soldiers playing a board game during WW1. They are in a Tipperary club in Lynn Street, Hartlepool.
HHT&N 527
Donor : Hartlepool Library Service
Location
Lynn Street was once West Hartlepool's main shopping area. Very little remains visible today.
More detail »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
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