Rogerstone Directory - Editorials - Window on Whitheads
Whiteheads Sports and Social Club
The present Whitehead Sports and Social Club, located in scenic parkland at Bassaleg, just a short distance from the M4, enjoys the reputation as one of the finest family clubs in the county. More than 1000 family and individual members, of all age groups, enjoy superb leisure and sports facilities.
Outdoors, Whitehead supports football, rugby and cricket at senior and junior level and bowls catering for all ages. The Club has an angling section and also has a children’s play area.
Indoor activities include squash, rifle and pistol shooting, skittles, darts and a photography section. The focus of indoor activities is the spacious concert room with its large dance floor, where entertainment is held weekly. It has panoramic views of the playing areas and patio. The Club is served by two bars which are soon to be modified. The concert room is available for outside bookings and can accommodate up to 200 guests. The Club is served by a large car park.
Origins
The Bassaleg location has its origins rooted in the Whitehead Company, the former Newport based industrial giant.
In the early ‘20s a few enthusiastic employees of the expanding Company formed cricket and football teams that played their early fixtures at public parks.
Within a year Whitehead secured a private ground at Maesglas. A significant step forward was made in 1927 when the Company, in recognition of the importance of its employees overall well-being purchased Overton House in Cardiff Road, which later became Courtybella. In the same year the Company negotiated an agreement with the Y.M.C.A. to share its ground at Bassaleg. In 1937, Whitehead secured the outright purchase of the Bassaleg ground.
Throughout the ‘50s and early ‘60s Whitehead continued to provide handsome support for the welfare scheme. This was further boosted by a weekly contribution deducted from the employees wages. The highlight of the post war Bassaleg calendar was the annual sports day which attracted 1000s to enjoy a wide range of events for employees and their families.
New Identity
The Whitehead Company took a new identity in 1967 as a member of the newly formed British Steel Corporation.
The arrival of B.S.C. nationally had little effect on the welfare scheme locally. The new management proving just as supportive as their predecessors had been.
Significant modifications were made to the bar and main hall throughout the next decade. In 1978 the Bassaleg facilities were further enhanced by the provision of squash courts for the use of families.
Far Sighted Men
Nearing the end of the ‘70s a group of far sighted men entered into discussions with B.S.C. to purchase the Bassaleg premises. A package was agreed, secured by a loan from Welsh Brewers, and in 1982 the new regime took control at Bassaleg operating a private members’ club. One of the first measures introduced was a recruitment campaign for members to ensure the financial well-being of the new organisation, which resulted in early repayment of the brewery loan.
In more than 70 years occupation of Bassaleg, the Whitehead story has been of development and change to meet the needs of the times. The story continues with plans for major modifications in the pipeline. It is a heritage for the families of Bassaleg and the surrounding area, and the present day administrators of Whitehead will do everything to ensure its continuing success. The Club is always seeking new members to support its wide range of activities and anyone requiring further information is invited to call at the Club or telephone 01633 893227.
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