The ‘British Indian Seamen’s Institute’ (The Lascar Club)

The ‘British Indian Seamen’s Institute’, also referred to more colloquially as the ‘Lascar Club’ opened in 1909. It was one of a number of initiatives emerging in response to the growing number of overseas sailors arriving in London’s docks. Unlike the Stranger’s Home for Asiatics, located in near the East India Docks, the Lascar club was located in 313 Victoria Dock Road, E., opposite the Victoria and Albert docks.

Despite catering to different docks, one newspaper report from 1909 suggested some feared that this enterprise would conflict with the existing Stranger’s Home. The secretary of the British Indian Seamen’s Institute, Dr. John Pollen, emphasised that the club in no way competed or interfered with its predecessor, and that the Home welcomed it in supplementing their work.

Unlike the Stranger’s Home, the lascar club was not a residential base, but reportedly appreciated and well attended by lascars who had ‘a few hours on shore’ who could not venture far away from their ships. During their visits guests were able to enjoy refreshments and entertainment, such as games and the gramophone, and other ‘amusements’. Specific entertainment was also organised for lascars during holidays like Christmas and Easter, and the clubs founder, Mr. K. Chowdry, reportedly arranged visits to places of interest in London for the Indian seamen and the house was ‘in charge of a Mahamoden Steward’ who had ‘been able to render many persona kindnesses to the seamen’.

The club was well attended. In September 1909, it was reported that 1,076 visitors had been paid in the last three months, averaging about 15 visitors a day and up to 60 on Sundays.