12:47pm Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Edmund Tobin
AN HISTORIC social club is looking forward to a particularly special 2010 after discovering the date marked its100th anniversary.
Although first built in 1904, Loughton Club, in Station Road, Loughton, was officially opened as a working men's club in 1910 after it was donated to the community by its founder Rev William Dalson.
After learning of its history, the club now hopes to hold a string of celebrations this summer.
Club secretary John Mahoney said: “Someone from Loughton Athletics was researching their history when they discovered this back edition of the local paper and we noticed in it the club was officially opened on July 3, 1910.
“I think it's good it's been part of the community all that time. It was always intended that this club be for the use of local people. Let's hope it's here for another 100 years.”
The club has changed a lot since it was formed as a men-only venue, and now welcomes families and a number of societies.
It is currently home to the local golf society, Loughton Athletics Club, and four different dance classes.
Trustee Charlie Matthews, 77, has been a member since 1969.
He said: “All my friends were here, we all met here, it was different to the pubs. In those days you had entertainment in the hall and the middle bar.
“I knew people who knew the Rev Dalton. They were all young school children in that day. One of them said if they didn't go to Sunday school he'd want to know the reason why.
“It's changed a hell of a lot to when I first joined. Whereas we had all four bars open at the weekend now we struggle to keep two open. It's a time when people are out of work and they're not using the club.”
Mr Mahoney said: “We have struggled over the last year or so. Hopefully we have turned a corner. We are reaching out more into the local community supporting local charities like Oak View School and The Loughton Festival. We're becoming part of Loughton not just Loughton Club.”
During the summer the club hopes to hold a series of special 100th anniversary tournaments in golf, darts, snooker and pool, as well as a bingo and gala night.
It has also written to the Queen to apply for a special commemorative certificate marking its 100 years.
To find out more about the club call 020 8281 1811 email clubloughton@btinternet.com or visit loughtonclub.blogspot.com.
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