Introduction
The Social Club has served the people of Birchanger since it was provided by Sir Charles Gold in 1891. His act of Victorian philanthropy gave the village a Working Men's Club and Reading Room. The reading room has long gone, although there are still newspapers available for members to read.
The Club remained a Working Men's Club, with slightly restricted rights for women, until 1999, since which time all members have been treated equally.
Today the Club continues to thrive with around 700 paid-up members and over 100 life members. The Club is managed by the steward, Chris James and his wife, Sue.
There is more information on the history of the Club in the archive.
Food and Drink
Drinks
As a private members' club, all drinks are owned collectively and 'supplied' by members, to members. This means that no-one takes a profit from the business so prices are much lower than in pubs.
The range of drinks on offer is impressive, too. There are two regular cask ales - Adnams Bitter and Greene King IPA - and 2 guest cask ales. There's a choice of five lagers - Fosters, Carlsberg, Kronenbourg, Stella and Becks Vier; plus Guinness, John Smiths keg bitter and keg mild. Strongbow cider is also on tap. There is also a wide range of bottled beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks.
Tea and coffee are always available.
Snacks
The Club sells a wide range of confectionery, crisps and savoury snacks.
Cooked Meals
A menu of excellent - and inexpensive - meals is available on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtimes, and on Tuesday and Saturday evenings.
Light snacks such as filled rolls are also available at the same times and may be available at other times by request.
Tobacco Products
A cigarette vending machine is provided inside the Club; cigars and disposable lighters are on sale at the bar. Tobacco products are supplied strictly to members only.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the Club.
Postage Stamps, Telephone and Bin Liners
Books of 6 and 12 first and second class stamps are on sale at the bar.
A coin-operated telephone is available in the Club.
Rolls of biodegradable bin liners, suitable for our brown recycling bins, are on sale.
Sports and Games
The Club has excellent facilities and houses football, cricket, bowls, darts, crib and snooker teams. All of these are open to new members. Members can also play pool and dominoes.
Entertainment
The Club stages entertainment, free of charge, once or twice a month. This ranges from solo entertainers and bands to karaoke, disco and comedians. For details see the notice boards inside the Club.
Members' guests are welcome when entertainment is provided, but are asked to pay a £2 fee.
Regular Events
There are a number of regular activities and events. These include:
- General Knowledge Quiz on Mondays at 2100 (teams of up to four at £1 per person)
- Bingo on Thursdays at 2030
- Meat Raffle on Saturdays at 1300
- Tote draw and bottle draw on Friday evenings
- 200 Club draw at 1300 on the last Sunday in the month
- Raffle on Sunday lunchtimes
Membership Information and Opening Hours
For more information click here.
Contact the Club
Call 01279 813441 or email the Club
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