Garston Woodcutters History

Garston Woodcutters Social Club was formed during an economic depression in 1912. Street corners were occupied by the unemployed and men on strike. A handful of wood machinists form Wilson Brothers Bobbin Works decided to form a club where men could spend their time.

The founder members were Bill Bewley, G. D Gilman, Bill Webster and Bob Dover, they organised the first Garston Woodcutters Club in a room over a stable in Chesterton Street. The premises were small but the organisational skills of the local leaders gradually encouraged more people to enroll and increased funds.

In the 1950's the club occupied a site of four shops in Window Lane equipped with a bar, billiard tables and other forms of recreation. The Woodcutters also had a novelty band that came into the picture in 1929. Bill Bewley, who was secretary of the club for over 45 years and G. D Gilman who was chairman of the club for 22 years decided the club should have some musical entertainment, the two friends called to a second hand shop to enquire about the sale of a bass drum in the window. The band had acquired their first instrument. Before long accordians, banjo's, flutes and many more instruments were purchased. Soon there was 70 bandsman to form Garston's first novelty band.

The band made its first outing to Halewood and the bandsman wore fancy dress, they were given a good send off by the locals. The bands fame soon spread and their support at carnivals, fetes and other events was soon in demand. World War II saw the band put on hold but the club stayed open for servicemen. On V. E Day the band reformed and attended every street party in the area, the silence was broken after five years and they were up and running again.

Although the Woodcutters would willingly give up their time for any charity, New Years Eve was their own. The club would be a hive of activity with music, dance and celebration. Members of the band would don fancy dress and tour the area playing their music.

During the summer months throughout the 1950's each weekend was occupied with different charitable events. In Chester the 'Woody's' were particularly well known and won best novelty band prize on many occasions. In Saltney the novelty band competition had to be scrapped because the 'Woody's' always won.

The modern day Woodcutters still has many activities including live entertainment every Saturday and Sunday Night. The novelty band is a shadow of its former self with only a handful of members but it still brings great enjoyment when they get together and play.

Due to a decline in the area over the years and with the current regeneration, the Woodcutters has found life quite hard but has managed to keep going. During this regeneration period the club are hoping that the local community will see the value the club has to the area in bringing people together and providing top class entertainment and come to support the Woodcutters either by becoming a member or a regular visitor. We can guarantee that anyone who visits the club during an evening of live entertainment will enjoy themselves.

The Woodcutters has seven years until its centenary and they are hoping to celebrate it in a strong position with more members and in a modern regenerated Garston community.