Fakenham Conservative Club is marking its 40th anniversary by staging an open house weekend, inviting the public to pop in and see what it has to offer as part of a drive to increase membership.

Fakenham Conservative Club is marking its 40th anniversary by staging an open house weekend, inviting the public to pop in and see what it has to offer as part of a drive to increase membership.

Saturday night features live music from 8.30pm from Lloyd E Moon, who sings hits from the Sixties to the present day, and Sunday features a race night and quiz also starting at 8.30pm.

The club, at the top of White Horse Street, was originally a United Methodist Church, built in the 1770s, but the Methodists disposed of it in 1895 to the printing trade, and when the former Lancaster Press moved out the building was converted into the Conservative Club in 1969, opened by the then deputy leader of the Opposition, Reginald Maudling. He drew the first pint, followed by Ralph Howell, who was then prospective Conservative candidate for North Norfolk.

The club prides itself on its friendly social atmosphere with a well-stocked bar including real ale, pool and darts facilities with regular entertainment and an upstairs function room for hire. There is a 40th birthday offer of 16 months membership for the price of 12.

Over the weekend, members introducing potential new members will get their first drink for �1, their guests getting a free first drink.