130 Years Celebration

In 1880 when Thomas Edison was busy establishing the first ever electric lamp factory, with great delight, pride and due ceremony thirty-six Windlesham subscribers (including Rev. Freshfield - the Rector, Admiral Strange, Lord Bathurst, Lady Lee, Lady Buller, The Honorable Miss Dillon, Mr Cubitt M.P. and other local worthies) together with a £100 Loan from “A Friend” opened the Windlesham Working Men’s Club and Reading Room (‘ The Institute’) in the area now used as the Snooker Room. The original cost of purchasing the Site, Building Works including Well & Pump, Coal Shed & Heating Apparatus and equipping the Reading Room and Kitchen amounted to a princely £430. 9s. 4p.

A President, Four Vice Presidents, a Thirteen strong Management Committee, Secretary, Treasurer and Caretaker were duly appointed, Rules adopted and after enrolling Members, the first business transacted was the purchase of six spittoons for 6p each ! A Bagatelle and Draughts Boards for recreational use were purchased, the sale of Refreshments organized, Entertainments (usually smoking concerts) were arranged, books and periodicals acquired and so was founded the Windlesham Club facilities and traditions which have now been ongoing for 130 years.

The afternoon of Sunday, 26th September 2010 saw a large turn out of current Members and Villagers to celebrate the establishment of the Club with the shared enjoyment and good cheer as generations before and to re-confirm the Windlesham’s gratitude to those Victorian philanthropists whose contribution and foresight still benefits our local community, with Bob Webb and friends giving us all some wonderful Jazz and musical entertainment, Bar-B-Q , Bouncy Castle and four brands of Fullers Real Ales at £2 per pint , a lovely day was enjoyed by all.

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