HISTORY OF LONGDON CLUB & INSTITUTE
1919 May/Oct
Sir Villiers Forster and Lady Forster attended a Parish Council meeting and proposed that they build a “Parish Room” as a Memorial Hall. It was agreed and built in 1919. When the Memorial Hall was near completion, it was offered to the Longdon Parish Council (LPC) who declined the offer as they felt the cost of maintenance would burden the LPC with an expense that it would not be able to meet. At this point six representatives of the working population, led by Tod Jones, approached Sir Villiers Forster in October 1919 and asked that the Memorial Hall be registered as a Mens Club. They stated that a Mens Club would be a great benefit generally and would be self–supporting. This proposal used a previously agreed arrangement with Armitage Club, as a precedent.
1920 Jan
Longdon Club and Institute (the Club) was formed.
1920s and 30s
Longdon “W.I” used the Club for meetings until its own hall was acquired.
1926
During the General Strike school children were fed in the Club with donated hot dinners cooked and served by members.
1930 March
Sir Villiers Forster dies. His estate, including the Memorial Hall, passes to Dame Mary Forster (as owner) plus trustees.
1934 April
By a conveyance Dame Mary sold the Memorial Hall site and building to Captain William Walford as permanent trustee.
1935 Jan
An order was made for the Memorial Hall to vest in Official Trustee of Charity Lands Commission. The management of the Club was deemed to be satisfactory, via the Trustees and the Committee, requiring no input from a freeholder interest.
1939/1945
The Club used its facilities to raise contributions towards the War Comfort Fund.
1942/1972
The Club continued successfully throughout these years, being of great value to the community. The village school used the premises and the field over a period of time until the new school was built with its own facilities
1950
The field at the rear was bought by the Club.
1950’s
The village ‘Old Peoples Committee’ met in the hall as the ‘Over 60s’ do today.
1953
Donations were raised for The Old Peoples Committee.
1955
Tod Jones, one of the Clubs founders, retires after 35 years, much of this as chairman.
1960s/70s
The Pre-school group used the Club facilities.
1970/71
An extension was built at the rear to provide toilets and a utility room.
1980s
The village Cub Scout pack used the Club and its field for football, including matches with other packs in the district.
1981 July
Village celebration party at the Club for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.
2006
The Club had major renovations including the distinctive black and white frontage, also electrical improvements. All this work was entirely funded from Club resources and private donations. At this time the membership stood at 140.
2009/2013
The Club Ladies Dominoes Team wins Rugeley and District League trophies.
2009 April
The Club Quiz Night raises funds for a St James Church fund.
2011 May
The Club joins Lichfield and District CVS, qualifying as a 3 rd sector organisation. This is a Staffordshire support group organisation.
2011 and 2013
The Club Snooker Teams win The Chase League ‘Albert Fleming’ trophy.
2012 June
The Club hosted ‘The Village Picnic’ for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This was an all-day party.
2012 Dec
The Club ran a charity disco for British Heart Foundation.
2016
An internal refurbishment took place.
2017
Sky Sports TV installed.
2018 Feb
The Club’s own web site established. This enables everyone to easily access all current and future events.
Throughout the Club’s history the village community have always been supported and made welcome.
The November fireworks and bonfire party is always popular and The Club is an ideal venue for all types of function.