From the East Kent Mercury, 21 January, 1999

Advertising feature.

GET MORE THAN YOUR MONEY'S WORTH AFTER RE-FIT

IF YOU thought working men's clubs were all spit and sawdust you obviously haven't stepped inside the one at Deal.

£550,000 has been spent on redeveloping the West Street club which officially re-opens this Saturday with a concert by 1970s chart-toppers The Rubettes. Members not only get the cheapest beer around but they can also enjoy the best facilities the club has ever had.

Secretary of the Deal, Walmer and District Working Men's Club, Paul Dardani, said it has changed beyond recognition.

"It is more than twice its original size and everything is new," he said.

On the ground floor members can enjoy monthly live music in the concert hall or enjoy a drink in the lounge bar.

Upstairs there is a snooker hall which will have five tables and an area for younger family members to play pool.

A function room with its own bar is free to members with a small charge for non-members.

Mr Dardani said disabled members and visitors have been looked after in the design and there is a stair lift to take them to the first floor. He added that as well as the music events there are regular bingo sessions and outings will be lined up throughout the year.

The club has been a part of the town since the early 1920s and there are around 400 members.

"We welcome people from all walks of life and all professions," Said Mr Dardani.

And at just £3 membership per year you will certainly get more than your money's worth.

From the Dover Express, 9 January, 2003.

BLAZE AT CLUB.

DEAL Working Men's Club was almost destroyed by a discarded cigarette on New Year's Eve.

Four fire crews were called to attend the blaze at West Street and it was brought under control within 45 minutes.

Club secretary Paul Dardani, 50, said: "A new member of staff left the cigarette in the bin and rather than taking it out the back of the club as we usually do, she left it inside.

"The fire gutted the whole bar and it was filled with smoke."

The alarm was raised at 3.45pm and the last crew left at 4.57pm

A spokesman for the fire fighters said: "We do suggest that clubs and bars have designated smoking areas, which can be quite difficult to maintain. But they should at least provide proper extinguishing matter or a metal bin.

"Make sure you extinguish a cigarette before you leave it."

The club will be running as normal by this weekend.