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LOOKING BACK-History of The Brit
Taken from "Tin Huts and Memories - We Got Our Ten Pounds Worth" by Victor Thomas Turner
(contact Peacock Publications at info@peacockpublications.com.au for details)
The British Working Men's Club had humble beginnings in the Gepps Cross Hostel early in the fifties.
It commenced operations when Englishman Jim Watkins had the idea of starting a little social club for fellow British migrants, and went around the hostel asking various folk to pay a shilling (10 cents) as membership. This proved to be quite successful so Jim organised a 10 gallon keg, second hand dart board and three sets of darts and set up in one of the communal laundries. The club took off, even though it was in contravention of the early closing laws of the time and technically operated illegally for the first 17 years!
The club eventually moved to a hut donated by the South Australian Housing Trust. When it became clear the hostel would be closing down, a bank loan was arranged for the purchase of land which was on-sold for a good profit, enabling the club to buy land at Wingfield and move into new premises during the late 1950s, where it remains today.
The Brit has a long and proud history and looks forward to a bright and dynamic future as one of the leading entertainment venues in the state.
Photo courtesy of the State Archives
Photo courtesy of the State Archives
Then and Now
 BRIT28 - Copy |  BRIT71 |
|---|---|
 BRIT64 |  BRIT70 |
 BRIT69 |  BRIT16 |
 BRIT29 |  BRIT15 |
 BRIT17 | BRIT71 |
 BRIT30 |  BRIT55 |
 BRIT75 |
The Brit has a long history of providing a great day and night out... here are a few flashbacks showing patrons tearing up the dance floor and generally having a top time! The tradition continues today with local and international acts leading the way - from tribute acts to dance bands, rock 'n roll and popular music - we've got it all, and look forward to seeing you here soon! Everyone's welcome at The Brit!
A LOOK BACK AT SOME HEADLINE ACTS
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Tony Pantano was born in Messina, Italy and arrived in Australia with his parents in 1956. At the age of 12, Tony worked with his father at local Italian dances and weddings, playing slap bass and singing; at15 he formed his own pop group Isy and the Dynamics who recorded the single "One Night/Let Bygones Begone" on the In label in 1965.
Pantano changed his style from pop to Latin American when he joined the group Sammy and The Dolphins as their lead vocalist and bass player. The band released one extended play "The Dolphins At Sergio's Rendezvous", recorded at the Allan Eaton Recording Studios in Melbourne. Following this release, Tony did a tour of Vietnam entertaining the troops. On his return to Australia he entered the talent show Showcase and won his way to the Grand Final.
Tony performed on several occasions the The Brit and always played to a packed house. He lost his battle with cancer in 2023 and is sadly missed.
Were you at the Valentines Ball back in the 80s? What a great night that was! If you have any photos we would love to see them!
