A men-only social club has voted to allow women full membership for the first time in its 91-year history.

Despite some opposition, members of The Bradford Club voted in favour of granting full membership to women.

The move is aimed to promote more community involvement at the club, based in a Grade II listed building, in Market Street, and to vary the centre’s activities.

Bradford on Avon Club treasurer John Ambler said: “It is something that is a natural evolution for us, as the gentleman’s club is becoming a thing of the past and we had to move forward or risk being left behind.

“In a comfortable vote a motion was passed that the club would welcome full lady members.

“Of course, there hasn’t been universal approval but a comfortable majority were in favour and we are delighted with the response so far and we are looking forward to the undoubted impact this very welcome wider membership will have on the club.”

Mr Ambler, a member of the club since 1992, said that welcoming full women members was one of the most significant dates in the club’s history.

He said: “Previously, ladies’ attendance was pretty restricted, as they were welcome as guests but only in one room.

“Over the last 18 months that has changed and they’ve been freely welcome as a guest anywhere at the club.

“In that time we’ve tried to create interesting activities for our members and guests. We’ve held wine tasting, various talks and we’ve also had a magician. I think the most important thing moving forward is making sure more interesting events like these happen at the club regularly.”

The club, which has a bar, a snooker room, games machines and a lounge, has already had interest from seven women to become members.

The first fully fledged female member of the Bradford on Avon Club is Kellie Oakman, 40, of Church Street, and this is a sentimental accolade for her as male members of her family have been members of the club for generations.

Miss Oakman, who works for DC Leisure and as a local supply teacher, said: “I am very proud to be the first female member of the club and it is a huge honour. It is fantastic for me personally, as when I was a girl my father used to sneak me in here when he played snooker, so this place holds some great childhood memories of time I spent with my father.”

Anyone over the age of 18 can be proposed by a Bradford on Avon Club member to join the club and then an admission process follows.

Mr Ambler added: “I expect the word to get around the town and then I think we’ll have quite a few more new members. We are always keen to welcome new members to the club and we are really enthusiastic about broadening the club’s scope to make the Bradford on Avon Club into a family venue for ladies and gentlemen.”

For more details, call 01225 862115 or visit www.bradford-onavonclub.org.uk.