The century-old Rowland Road Social Club last weekend hosted a major regional darts competition – and saw a south Leeds lad scooping the top prize in the final.
The competition was a feature event on the regional circuit, organised by Bradford Darts Promotions in conjunction with the Beeston club. It was open to all, and saw 100+ players competing: men and women of all ages from across Yorkshire, including several semi-professionals.
At the end of a full day’s arduous and tense competition, south Leeds lad Johnathan Hewitt (from East Ardsley) claimed victory in the final – with a highly impressive 180 (the highest possible score) in five out of the nine legs.
Rowland Road Social Club – in the heart of Beeston Hill, just up from Lady Pit Lane – was originally formed by local people in 1911, as a family-friendly social and events venue. The members re-built the club in the 1970s, and moved (albeit on the same site) into what is now the current building.
And times have changed in other ways, with many social clubs – like pubs – up and down the country having to re-invent themselves to stay afloat. (South Leeds Life regularly reports on The Holbeck – formerly the Holbeck Working Men’s Club – which is another local club doing just that.)
So the Rowland Road club now hosts a growing range of events and activities. There is of course the darts – the next major competition for which is on Saturday 1st August. They’re also home to the all-age Leeds All Stars Taekwondo, who hold open sessions – led by local school caretaker Tom, from Greenmount Primary – three times a week. They’ve some of the best snooker facilities in Leeds, with several full-size tables. There are weekly live entertainment and bingo nights. They have function rooms for hire. They’re the local polling station on election days. And much more.
To find out more or maybe join, drop by any evening or weekend afternoon or evening, and speak with the managers (Jo and Steve) or other staff. Membership is just £5 per year, and they’re currently offering 1 month’s free membership for those who are considering joining.
