End of an Era?

It's the kind of lobby that makes you involuntarily shudder – the once tasteful entrance to this grand old granite building, clearly having seen better days. With its intricate mosaic tiled flooring partially obscured with grime, and walls that are papered with tatty, discolouring beer posters, it doesn't do the club within any favours. And it's only after you've ventured over the threshold that you're able to see the blackboard propped up in the back corner, which lets you know that it is, in fact, a club.
Support the Poppy : Join the Legion : New Members Welcome : Social Outings.

Once through the stiff blue door though, the staff are extremely welcoming, with Mike Phillips, the club's head barman, happy to chat about what's on offer to their members.

'There's Bingo Thursdays and Sundays, Karaoke on Fridays, a disco Saturdays – weekends are always busy – and our weekly meat raffle's popular too. We also hold private functions here – birthday parties, anniversaries, wakes, and special events like Remembrance Day celebrations.'

A members only club, membership is open to men and women who are currently in the services,
ex-service, or who just support the work that the Legion carries out. In the first year people initially join as affiliated members, being nominated the following year for full membership. Annual subscription costs £10 which allows entry to any Royal British Legion club worldwide, for themselves and up to two bona fide guests, at any time.

'We get a lot of visitors here in the summer – quite a few international visitors as well. Club members on holiday in the area often come here as their first port of call – it's like a home away from home.'

Neil Pinkerton agrees. Having moved to Falmouth two years ago, he's a regular club-goer and says,

'It's a place you can come to and know you're going to meet people. And you don't get no trouble neither.'

A former HGV driver, Neil was involved in a serious accident in 1992 which left him unable to work, and now finds that he relies on clubs for social contact. Also a member of the local Labour Club, and the Working Men's Club, he likes coming to the Legion for the cheap drinks and to sing a bit of Elvis, or Nat King Cole, on a Friday night.

Apart from the regular entertainment, club facilities include a pool table, poker machines, three flat screen televisions, and two snooker tables downstairs. The interior is standard 1970's pub décor, with bright blue carpet and furnishings throughout. In contrast to the lobby, it's both clean and cheerful, and blessed with plenty of natural light thanks to the expansive windows at the far end of the main room. In prime waterside position, the view through those windows is simply stunning –
a view of the Fal estuary in all it's nautical glory.

A P&O Ferry is docked near an imposing, grey military ship, while a jaunty orange pilot vessel is moored closer to shore – a reminder that Falmouth is a vibrant and busy commercial harbour. However, the good life is also close to hand. Sailing past the pleasure boat marina, a small yacht leisurely tacks its way towards open waters. On the far side, a smattering of houses interrupt the green rolling fields opposite, most with boats tied up to their own private jettys. With the tide out, a mass of straggly brown seaweed can be seen immediately below the clubhouse – a lone yellow welly, catching the eye.
John Spargo, Cornish born and bred and living in Penryn these past four years, says one of the reasons he comes to the club is for the view. Having been in the merchant navy during the 60's, he recalls with fondness sailing to Canada, North America, The Gulf and the Mediterranean. Currently working in the kitchens at The Falmouth Beach Hotel, he'll pop in for a drink 2-3 times a week.

'I feel as if I know everyone – they're all nice and friendly – good as gold. You do see life in here you know, some funny old characters you can have a laugh with – you've got to have a sense of humour. I'm just having a couple of quiet ones today – that'll do me.'

Gracing the walls above John's head are several prints and paintings, of ships at sea and various naval encounters. There's even a replica model of the British Battleship King George V, taking pride of place in its own glass case. Other memorabilia includes a memorial plaque for those who gave their lives in the service of their country 1939 – 1945; various photographs of uniformed servicemen; wartime posters; a framed copy of John McCrae's 1915 poem In Flander's Field next to a picture of some poppies; a portrait of the queen; and a wall display by the HMS Ganges Association (the Voluntary Royal Navy Veterans Organisation which fosters comradeship between all those who served at Shotley Suffolk England, 1905 – 1976).

The strangest, and most exotic ornament, however, is a painted wooden parrot, perched on its own piece of railing, attached to the wall above one of the booths. It's tropical colours, and gilded golden wings, so incongruous in this typically English pub setting. Hanging from one of its feet, is a label with “In memory of Fred Bennett” written on it. Mike, the barman, explains:

'Fred was the cleaner in here for years but he died last year. That was his chair, where he'd sit with his half pint of beer, his brandy, and his packet of crisps. The parrot was his favourite thing, so we put his name up there, in his honour.'

Where Do You Go To My Lovely is playing on the sound system; a stack of green baize card tables leans against one wall; two ladies of a certain age, sit at the bar in quiet conversation. As Mike says,

'It's set in its time, that's what makes it so different – special. Doesn't really seem to change like other places.'

It may be a bit run down, past its prime, dated even; the flag outside, limp, and somewhat faded,
but this club still has the support of it's members – still serves its purpose, whilst at the same time raising much needed funds for charity.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.”

Box-out:
The Royal British Legion is the UK's foremost charity providing financial, social and emotional support to those who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces, as well as their dependants. It was founded in 1921 to be a voice for the ex-Service community, and to ensure that their efforts are not forgotten. In Cornwall alone there are 59 Branches, 20 Clubs, and and 9460 members. Legion Line – the Legion's Helpline and information point – is open to all members of the general public, offering advice and support on welfare related issues. Tel: 08457 725725. The organisation is probably best known for its role in Remembrance and for the annual Poppy Appeal.