Popular social club ‘overcomes many obstacles’ and is back with a bang in brand new venue

A popular social club is ready to welcome back regulars in a whole new venue.

The ‘Steelies’, also known as Acklam Iron and Steel Works Athletic Club, has been a staple for the community for well over a century, first opening in in 1903. Around six years ago, former club president Denis Richard made the decision to sell the club and its grounds to a property developer, leaving the club’s future hanging in the balance.

Fortunately, thanks to the deal stuck up by Mr Richardson, an agreement was made that a new club would be built, keeping alive the rich history of the Acklam Iron Works, which was originally built in 1865. While there have been many bumps along the way according to club members, the new venue is finally ready to officially open its doors.

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The old club stood until April this year, when it finally called last orders and closed its doors for one final time. Now a new era begins for the ‘Steelies’ in its brand new venue complete with a bar, a function room, a lounge and even a concert room for live music – its’s future is looking bright.

It’s an exciting time for club members, who haven’t seen major renovations to their beloved club since 1974 when it was refurbished and rooms were redesigned. The new venue welcomed back punters at the start of May in a soft opening, but is now set to welcome hundreds for its official opening evening, which will take place on Friday, May 26.

Passionate club member Dave Connor, 77, is looking forward to the special night, which has been a long time coming, explaining: “It was decided approximately six years ago by the then club president Denis Richardson to sell the club and the grounds to a property developer with part of the deal being the building of a new club, however this hit many obstacles along the way until the new club was finally built.”

It is sure to be a fun-filled event with BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough acting as host for the night. There will also be performances by saxophonist Katherine Byford and headlining Soul and Motown tribute band The Manhattans.

The evening has been so hotly anticipated that it has already sold out, with over 200 people set to attend to take part in the celebrations.

Dave Connor’s shares his memories of the ‘Steelies’

“The Acklam Iron Works in MIiddlesbrough was established by Messrs. Stevenson, Wilson, Jaques and Co in 1865 and comprised of three blast-furnaces – this was later increased to four. Basic and Cleveland pig-iron was produced, the average output per furnace per week being about 650 tons.

“The company owned a wharf having a frontage of 220 feet, for exporting their pig-iron and importing materials. The works were connected by a siding with the North Eastern Railway. The total number of men employed was about 300.

“The works passed ownership to Acklam Iron Co 1888, then to North East Steel Co 1896 which became part of Dorman Long in 1904. Throughout the years the works grew and more men were employed by the company till its closure in 1963.

“They opened a club on the 1st September 1903 for the workmen this was called the North East Steelworks Athletic Club. This was also the date that Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough FC’s new ground was opened with a game against Glasgow Celtic – that Middlesbrough won 1-0.

“The club was originally a wooden shed, which then progressed to a purpose-built club which stood for many years and was refurbished and rooms changed in 1974. The old club stood in present position until the 24th April 2023 when the doors closed for a final time.

“A word of thanks goes to all of the volunteers who helped with moving the old club internal items to the new club.

“Now after many years the ‘Steelies’ will still be there in the name of the works which was part of Middlesbrough heritage. It is also the oldest club still operating in Middlesbrough.

“A special word of thanks goes to new president Wayne Sheeky and his wife Nicci for all of the hard work in making this happen and also David Harvey the bar steward and his dedicated staff. Phil Buckley secretary and the new committee members.

“Lets all raise a glass to this wonderful new club.”

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