ENGLISH WOMEN’S CLUB

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 210, 18 August 1933, Page 14

ENGLISH WOMEN’S CLUB

For 50 years the first women’s club in England, the Alexandra, has maintained a policy of “No men allowed,” but, being now faced with abolishment, the old chib has capitulated, the jubilee being marked by a new form of management aud the toleration of men, but never before mid-day, states a London writer. The change is due to financial troubles and modern woman’s advanced outlook. The club was founded in 1883 by ladies who considered it improper to stay at hotels when they came to town for shopping. The club began in one room over a shop, but changed its address twice in the next year, and finally it came to be quartered in the present house in Grosvenor street. The club has always been very exclusive, although its membership grew to 900. Lord Roberts and other prominent figures often waited on the mat for their wives. Some husbands now deplore the changed regime as spoiling the best women’s club in town. The Victorian furnishing is still the same, although the club has advanced with the times, serving cocktails, and was not horrified even in the early days of smoking. The members now include three generations, girls being put up for membership at 17.