IT was opened by returning soldiers of the First World War and survived bomb blasts of the Second World War.

But now in the year we are commemorating the centenary of the start of the Great War, one of Southampton’s oldest social clubs is preparing to call last orders.

The once thriving Archers Road Social Club will close its doors after a decline in membership and it could result in a windfall for members.

Formerly Southampton Ex-servicemen’s Club, it was set up 95 years ago by men returning from fighting in the First World War.

The 200 ex-servicemen first met in Ogle Road in 1919 before moving to Carlton Crescent in 1922.

In 1933 they were given a grant of five shillings per head (25p) from the Expeditionary Force Canteens, an organisation set up to feed troops overseas, which enabled the members to buy their current home in Archers Road.

In 1984 the Daily Echo recorded that there were 700 members.

But over the years fewer people have come through the doors and the club has struggled to stay open.

The committee tried to balance the books by holding private functions but they stopped taking bookings when they were told by the council that as a private members’ club they were not licensed to do this.

Now the 49 remaining members have voted to close the club.

Club secretary Rhonda Hanslip said: “It’s really quite sad. We have been here for 16 years and we have tried to keep it open.

“We started doing private functions which we didn’t realise we’re not allowed to |do.

“I don’t think there’s many social clubs left now.

“I don’t think this one would have kept going as long as it did if we hadn’t done the private functions.

“The members don’t use the club anymore so why would they keep it open?

“You can’t keep a club open if there are only three people at the bar.”

The committee is in the process of selling the building and members could be in for a windfall of thousands when the profits of the sale are divided among them.

The club is due to close its doors for the last time after its last function next month.