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Information taken from their web site accessed 22 August 2021.
Our History.
The Club was founded in 1907 and the Old School rooms were used for
social evenings which included, in those days, the playing of
Billiards & Bagatelle and reading.
The Reverend R.E Johnston was the first club chairman and F.S.W
Cornwallis (Lord Cornwallis) was elected as President and served the
club until his passing in 1935. The club was then known as Marden
Club and the membership had been drawn from a list of one hundred
village people who had favoured the formation of such a club.
After the first World War the use of the school rooms became
uncomfortable, and the club moved into its current premises in 1921.
Mr Fuggles had purchased the "Poplar Tree" public house, and he was
prepared to allow the club to loan the £600 purchase price at 5%
interest. It was also at about this time that the club became known
as Marden Working Men’s Club, and remained so until our Centenary in
2007.
In 1922 there was a proposal to start selling alcoholic drinks, but
after the Rev Johnston spoke strongly against the idea, the proposal
was defeated. This ‘teatotal’ situation only remained until 1926 as
the members finally had their way, and a license was granted.
In 1938 a part of the club premises was set aside for the local
Boy’s Club, but with onset of the Second World War the boys club
finished and that part of the premises was rented out to a local
hardware store.
By 1943 all outstanding loans on the building had been re-paid and
since then there have been many alterations to the premises. In the
early 1950’s the Billiard room, which had been added in 1922, was
extended and the bar made bigger to allow additional social area.
The first Fruit Machine was introduced in 1963, and revenue from
this provided useful additions to club funds thus allowing further
improvements and additions to the premises during the remaining
years of the 20th century.
In 1971 a Bowls section was formed after a new bowling green was
built on land rented from the Sutton family. The Bowls club has
become a well established club within Kent and has been used to host
county competitions including county finals day.
In 1985 an extension was built to accommodate a function room and in
1990 the club premises was completely refurbished at considerable
cost.
Throughout the club’s history a Steward has been employed, but due
to the recent decline in pub and club trade, the committee have
found it to be beneficial to run the club themselves. Trade has
steadied and even shows signs of recovery, and much credit can go to
the bar staff we now employ.
In 2007 the club celebrated its centenary and a dinner, enjoyed by
250 members and guests, was held in a marquee on a local sports
ground. The function was attended by the Mayor of Maidstone, and at
midnight the name was officially changed to Marden Village Club.
In 2017 the club was extensively refurbished internally giving it a
modern, contemporary look. It now boasts a newly opened out bar
area, wooden and carpeted floored areas, sofas and comfy chairs,
local artwork and much needed new windows giving it a light and airy
feel.
With continuing good management and good support from local
residents we will continue to provide the excellent facilities we
now enjoy.
For a complete history of the club 1907-2007 a booklet is available
at a price of £3. Apply to the Secretary for a copy. |
