Women admitted to gentleman's club for first time

One of Norfolk's last remaining traditional gentlemen's clubs has agreed to allow women to join for the first time in its 99-year history.

The Strangers Club in Norwich hosts lunches, talks and other activities for its members, all of whom have been men.

It introduced the new policy following a vote, with the daughter of the club's president admitted as the first female member.

Collette Thompson, a surgeon, said the club was an "antidote" to the digital age, "offering a space where you can meet people face to face and have conversations over a meal."

"When my dad first joined when I was a teenager, and I learnt they didn't allow female members, I thought it was behind the times," she added.

"It is great, it has opened up. My main reason for joining was that we live in a digital world, and lots of communication is done by text or email.

"This has its benefits, but you lose a sense of community."

The Strangers Club was established in 1927 as a place for the leading figures from the city's professional community, such as lawyers, doctors and business leaders.

The change was approved by a vote of 82%, meaning almost a fifth of members opposed the introduction of women.

President Stephen Thompson, who instigated the vote, said the club would have been open to women had it been founded today.

"We continue to aspire to be the premier club for the professional and business community, and although women had always been welcomed to social events at the club, it was obvious that we had to open membership to women.

"Some people were passionate for us not to do this, but the vast majority were supportive.

"It is not unreasonable to have some people who find change difficult but we have not had anyone resign from the club over this issue."

One member, who did not wish to be named, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it could spell "the death of the club".

They added: "Personally, I do not see the reason to change the rules and allow women members."

"This club is steeped in tradition, and a lot of the members do not like change."

The club has received five applications from women, three of whom are daughters of existing members.

The Norfolk Club in Upper King Street, Norwich, opened up its membership some 30 years ago, with The City Club in Colegate believed to be Norfolk's final men-only club of its type.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.