Conservative Party Leader David Cameron officially opened the extensively refurbished Tonge and Breightmet Club in Bolton - with half a pint of John Smith's bitter at the bar.

He was introduced to about 100 members by President Jack Winch and Chairman, Nigel Ford and then met local leading politicians.

After a short speech he unveiled a plaque marking the occasion and signed a photograph of himself which will be framed and take pride of place in the Club.

Mr Cameron toured the Club and chatted to those present impressing them with his warmth and sincerity.

To celebrate the visit - and the £50,000 refurbishment - a buffet and reduced price drinks were served for the rest of the day.

Mr Winch commented: "It was an excellent day and the atmosphere was terrific. He left the Club, and members, on a real high."

David Cameron is pictured here with committee members of the Tonge and Breightmet Conservative Club including: Mark Smedley; Nigel Ford (Chairman); Lynne Leaver (Treasurer); Ian Ford; Frank Bradley (Vice Chairman); Mick Leaver (Steward) and Jack Winch (President)

BAR SALES BUOYANT DESPITE FLOOD

A story of dogged determination and resilience, typical of our Conservative Clubs, comes from Teddington Constitutional Club in Middlesex.

Last year's torrential rains saw the Club inundated with water pouring through the kitchen roof to flood the bar and lounge area a foot deep.

As a result, with this important area out of action, the Committee had to dose the Club.

Club Vice President, Derek Blyth, explained that their insurers provided two powerful de-humidifiers for the bar and lounge area.

They were told the drying out would take two to three weeks so it was decided to operate the machines at night while opening the Club during the day to keep a semblance of normality.

The kitchen could not be used so an arrangement was made with a local sandwich bar to supply rolls and sandwiches. A good deal of lunch-time trade was lost but it is hoped that this can be regained.

Fortunately. a Club member from an insurance company (which rents part of the Club's premises) dealt with issues regarding compensation, to replace microwave equipment, refrigerators and provide new carpets and new flooring.

In addition the Club had to install a new boiler - which had nothing to do with the flood.

Commented Mr Blyth: "It seemed that no matter what we did, something else happened almost every week."

But now, he believes, they have turned the corner and resumed normal service - with the restoration of the kitchen and food supply.

He adds: "Interestingly, during all this time, the bar sales hardly decreased and we are thankful that this is so.

"It has been an extremely trying time to everyone associated with the Club."

He says that thanks are due to those members, and the Club Steward, for the work they did to keep the Club operating during the very difficult time.

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