Working Men's Club and Institute Union

He was also an important advocate for the extension of working class political rights and helped to set up the Charity Organisation Society.

In the Victorian era, the Liberal Working Men's Clubs were prominent in increasing the Union's membership.

In some working-class areas, local landowners and business owners would contribute to the cost: however, as land was relatively cheaper in those days, it was fairly easy for groups of men to buy the land and establish the clubs using their own skills and labour.

The wealthier clubs have sports pitches and dining facilities, as well as indoor games and entertainment.

Many entertainers developed their skills in them over the years, as depicted in the ITV series The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club.

The CIU holds a national congress every year and as part of its activities runs convalescent homes.

In many ways, it could be said to be the oldest surviving friendly society still run by its members, and continues to play a part in the cultural life of working-class families.

The problem has recently become acute, particularly in relation to anti-smoking legislation, which the CIU unsuccessfully lobbied MPs to exempt clubs from.