The Irish Nash toasts its new look

The Batley Irish Democratic League Club in Churchfield Street has a new bespoke carpet, upholstery and custom-made chairs in their concert room.

Owners of the club, known as the Nash, are also looking to attract new more custom with a host of quality tribute bands on Friday nights – and have a Rolling Stones act appearing tomorrow.

Concert secretary Julie Ormsby, 47, said: “There are that many pubs and clubs closing and the concert room was starting to look a bit tired.

“We want to keep the club going and move forward. The last thing we want is our club going down the pan.

“We’re getting more and more busy now. We’ve got a community and we are trying to do our best.”

Financial secretary Andrew Murphy, 39, of Old Bank Road in Dewsbury, said: “The last refurbishment, we think, was about 14 year ago. So it was well-deserved and time for a bit of a lift really.”

He added that the upholstery and new chairs cost around £14,500 while they forked out £7,200 for the Irish-themed carpet, which has gold harp designs on it.

“It’s totally different from how it looked before,” Andrew said.

The club was established in 1882 by Irish natives and has become a Batley institution.

Julie said: “It was established by ancestors when they were not allowed in ordinary clubs. They built the club so they had somehwere to go.

“Now it’s open to everybody. We have a good strong membership but anybody can come in, they have to just make a 50 pence donation. It’s always a great night.”

Andrew added: “We’re trying to push the club at its best to a more diverse audience who wouldn’t normally come to us. Once they’ve been, they will come back.”