The Saddlers Club opened in 1966 as a Social Club thanks to Mr Bill Harrison Chairman of Walsall F.C, who gave us the Orgills laundry building
in Wallows Lane.
This was converted into the club and officially opened by Ken Dodd after one of his shows in Birmingham.
Under the Chairmanship of Harold Davies and Secretary John Wilson, the club was backed by a hard working committee which were all given weekly duties, the club thrived from the start, also a ladies committee under the Chair of Mrs Hetty McGill.
On the sporting side, the club ran a darts team, domino and crib teams, a football team and also an angling section, also a popular annual beauty queen contest was run in conjunction with the football supporter's federation.
The club was a popular meeting place for the players, supporters and local residents which created a warm friendly atmosphere, gaining a good reputation in the process.
In 1991 the club moved to bescot with Ken Morrall as Chairman and John Wilson as Secretary.
John and the vice chair Miss E Siddons went on to complete 50 years service to the supporters club, which was marked with a special concert
in aid of them both.
Sadly whilst on holiday John passed away, and as a mark for his service the concert room was eventually unveiled in memory as the John Wilson Suite.
The move to Bescot saw a rapid rise in memberships. In the first 2 years it rose from 2300 to 3715. Part of this rise was due to workers from nearby factories joining so they could spend there lunch breaks
in the club.
From the committee at Wallows Lane 3 still remain, Royston Randle 31 years as travel section. Both George Hodgson and John Rumble have 38 years
this year 2008.
George is involved in several areas of the club and is also a trustee together with Bob Sadler ( V.I.P.) and Bob Dyal ( Club Treasurer ).
John Rumble is Membership Secretary having taken over from Cyril White in 1976.
This year has seen a rise in memberships for the first time in 6 years, long may it continue…..
