A PORTISHEAD social club, which for years has been run by men only, has now changed its constitution to allow women onto the committee

A PORTISHEAD social club, which for years has been run by men only, has now changed its constitution to allow women onto the committee.For the last 90 years, Portishead Working Men's Club at Slade Road, has not allowed women to get involved with the running of the facility or sit on the committee.Now, following a special meeting this week, members voted in favour of giving voting rights to lady members.But the move to allow women onto the committee has not been welcomed by all, with one third of the club members voting against the decision.The club currently has 650 members, 300 of which are women.Treasurer Jonathan Lewis said: "Some of my best friends voted against the move, but I have thought for years that the club needs to have lady members represented on the club committee."Some members thought it was a sad end to a tradition of working men's clubs."But we need more volunteers to help run the club and I can't see the sense in disqualifying half the membership."But the rules could be changed at the club's AGM later this month if the female contingent vote to open up the men's bar to all.Currently women members can only socialise either in the lounge or dance hall.Mr Lewis added: "We don't plan to change the men only bar rule, but there is the possibility that there could be moves to alter this in the future."The club has two full sized snooker tables and is home not only to snooker teams but seven skittles teams, darts teams, football and whist teams.It also has live music on Saturday evenings and always welcomes new members who should contact the club steward on 01275 842428.