CLUB SECRETARY AND TREASURER RETIRES AFTER ALMOST THREE DECADES
THE long-serving Secretary/Treasurer of Stanhope Club has retired after almost three decades at the
helm.
Jim Creaser, who lives in Stanhope, was employed by Barclays Bank for 32 years, lastly as a
Customer Services Manager but when he had a serious accident in 1994, he was not able to
continue. As a regular at what used to be Stanhope Working Men’s Club, someone there thought he
would make the perfect Secretary for the organisation that at the time was a members only club.
And so, in 1997, he began what would be an all-consuming role as not only Secretary but also
Treasurer and he has guided and worked for what is now Stanhope Sports and Social Club, open to
all. For almost 30 years, he has been responsible for the club, working alongside the Chairman and
committee, on every aspect of it. His financial expertise has kept the club going over some very
difficult times and his aptitude for organisation has seen it host innumerable events, shows, parties
and so much more.
“There have been so many ups and downs over the years,” recalled Jim. “The financial crisis in
2008 was a very tough time.”
Then there was the Covid nightmare of 2020 when many such premises closed, never to open
again but Jim was on to it. “It was the Government grants that saved the club and kept it afloat until
the crisis was over. The Government, in that regard, was brilliant.”
For almost three decades, Jim has looked after customers, members and staff, including
Steward, Alan Barker, who he worked alongside for all of that time. He has managed supplies,
ensuring the bar was stocked, the fruit machines emptied, the cleaning products needed were
sufficient and so much more. Jim has attended innumerable committee meetings, carrying out the
members’ wishes and making key decisions to ensure the smooth running of the premises.
“It has been a real roller coaster ride over the last 28 years with downs but so many ups too,”
said Jim. “It is so gratifying when things go well but at times, it has been a bit of a battle.”
One of the key moments was the smoking ban in 2007 and ensuring the premises kept within the
law. At one time, clubs and pubs were ‘swimming in smoke’, arriving home after a night out and
stinking of it. Then there was the time the club roof was in need of urgent repair and at times, it
looked like it couldn’t survive.
“We had a good relationship with Anita Savory and she stepped in to help with fundraising events.
If it hadn’t been for her, the club wouldn’t have survived – she raised a lot of the money to fix the
problem on numerous occasions,” added Jim.
He looked back to the very beginning when the club was at the very centre of activity in the town
– they queued to get in at times and at the Monday night Domino Handicaps, it was standing room
only. Times have changed and the younger people are harder to attract into clubs especially but also
pubs. The Club requires a Premises Certificate and also a Premises Licence – they aren’t easy to
acquire and cost money but it entitles the club to serve everyone. The club still has members who
pay subs but when they reach the age of 65, the membership is free.
“We now have more members over 65 than under,” observed Jim.
The club is a versatile building with a back room that is used for all manner of occasions – parties,
darts competitions, charity events and so much more, including wedding receptions.
Jim, who worked part-time at Aykley Heads Police HQ as a Fingerprint Technician in the past, is
retiring due to ill health being diagnosed with chronic asthma. He will still be a committeemember of
the club – at least for the time being – but is handing over the reigns to Gavin Hudspith, another
former employee of Barclays Bank in Stanhope.
And to keep himself occupied, he will continue on the allotment he has enjoyed since 1986 and
settle down to a quitter life in this, his 80 th year, with wife, Sue and the family. Jim is one of those
hidden community gems who despite keeping institutions going hardly ever have their work
recognised. If anyone deserves a medal, it’s Jim.
Thank you, on behalf of the Stanhope community, for your long service and attention to detail
that has allowed the club to survive.
Good wishes to Gavin – he has big boots to fill!
