I can remember when I was a regular at the Ship on Joel Street, they had a Christmas Club. You put in money every week (on a friday),It was like a savings club, very popular in those days, I think you could take out a loan, which I think was dependant on how regular you were with your paying in.The publican who at that time was Mr&Mrs Reynalds, were allin favour of it,as it was a busy evening, and most people coming in would also have a pint or two,the little public bar there was always full on payout night,which was about 3 weeks before Christmas.