Oldest clubs in Birmingham join forces

Two of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Birmingham are linking up.

St Paul’s Club was formed in 1859 and is Birmingham’s oldest and only private dining club and Birmingham Press Club that dates back to 1865 will be working together in the future. Birmingham Press Club is the oldest Press Club in the world but has been looking for a ‘home’ for many years and has found the perfect solution in St Paul’s.

Offering its members excellent dining, conference and office facilities as well as links to clubs in other parts of the UK and overseas, St Paul’s Club stands in a listed building in the historic St Paul’s Square. The great food and excellent facilities has caught the eye of the Press Club that runs an extensive programme of events including the prestigious Midland Media Awards. This has resulted in the Press Club reaching an agreement to adopt St Paul’s Club as its official home and a base for many of its meetings including the popular ‘First Thursday’ drop-in sessions.

Members of Birmingham Press Club that is sponsored by HSBC Bank will have the option if applying for membership of St Paul’s Club. “St Paul’s Club is a fantastic treasure and the facilities are superb combined with its wonderful food, traditions and rooms that go back to an age of elegance and sophistication,” said Llewela Bailey, chairman of Birmingham Press Club.

Llewela, who was appointed last year is the first female chairman of the Press Club and one of the first members of St Paul’s Club she met was Sarah Whitticase who has just completed a two year term as the first female President of St Paul’s Club.

Philip Barnett, the new President of St Paul’s Club says the link up with Birmingham Press Club is excellent news. “Both clubs have a great history and are working to make sure that the traditions continue in a modern setting that meets the needs of members in the early 21st century,” he said. “This will I am sure be good for both clubs.”

Membership of Birmingham Press Club is open to journalists and non-journalists and an application can be made by visiting their website.

Membership of St Paul’s Club is by nomination and election. More information is available from Mike Gold, general manager email [email protected]