A little bit of history was created when Warrington Gentlemens’ Book Society held their 176th annual dinner at Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm – with two lady guests attending for the first time ever.
Warrington & Vale Royal College Principal Nichola Newton and Director of English Elizabeth Draper were special guests of warrington-worldwide Editor Gary Skentelbery.
During the meeting Nichola and Elizabeth outlined the good work going on at the college, helping to improve reading standards.
Following a vote of thanks members of the Society agreed to donate £200 towards the college’s reading programme, with £700 going to other local good causes.
Believed to be the oldest society in Warrington, the group meet once a year and auction current books helping raise funds for local charities.
Senior member, retired dentist Roger Bingham hosted proceedings, while local solicitor Norman Banner auctioned off the books.
Club records revealed that the society met in Statham Lodge 101 years ago, when it was a country house.
It has met at various other locations over the years, including the Warrington Club in Bold Street, but in more recent times has settled at Statham Lodge.