A brief history of Pennington Club
Why Donkey Town...
That's a little nod to Pennington's past, when donkeys were able to roam freely on the common (now a part of the New Forest National Park) and were a regular sight throughout the village, when Pennington was truly a village and separated from the nearby town, Lymington.
The donkey was synonymous with Pennington and, much like 'Prime Minister' wasn't always a title of status, so too 'Donkey Town' was aimed at our village in a less than endearing manner!
However, we've reclaimed it and now happily celebrate it as part of our history.
The donkey was synonymous with Pennington and, much like 'Prime Minister' wasn't always a title of status, so too 'Donkey Town' was aimed at our village in a less than endearing manner!
However, we've reclaimed it and now happily celebrate it as part of our history.
How we begun...
We are steeped in local history, having been born from a strong tradition of sports, social and recreation activities through various clubs that shared the village's community ethos.
In the 1920's there was a local working man's club, linked to the local church, St. Mark's. In the 1930's a Silver Jubilee Fund was started which would mark the beginnings of the club in it's present form. Indeed, the Jubilee Trust are still involved to this day.
St. Mark's Social Club opened in 1939 and did well to survive WWII. But come 1950, the club was at it's lowest ebb. However, from that low point stemmed the beginnings of the club we have today. With much input and endeavour, Pennington Sports and Social Club was formed and officially opened on Saturday 2nd February 1952.
In 2017, we celebrated our 65th birthday with a milestone achievement, becoming the UK's Community Club of the Year and a member's party for all to enjoy. We will continue to celebrate our birthday annually.
In the 1920's there was a local working man's club, linked to the local church, St. Mark's. In the 1930's a Silver Jubilee Fund was started which would mark the beginnings of the club in it's present form. Indeed, the Jubilee Trust are still involved to this day.
St. Mark's Social Club opened in 1939 and did well to survive WWII. But come 1950, the club was at it's lowest ebb. However, from that low point stemmed the beginnings of the club we have today. With much input and endeavour, Pennington Sports and Social Club was formed and officially opened on Saturday 2nd February 1952.
In 2017, we celebrated our 65th birthday with a milestone achievement, becoming the UK's Community Club of the Year and a member's party for all to enjoy. We will continue to celebrate our birthday annually.
Our history...
We were lucky enough to be served by the late Ray Stone from the very foundation of our club and he took great effort in compiling a history book.
Life member Norman Gannaway was able to pick up the pieces and with extra research, support from Ray and input from the club Officers and Committee at the time, we produced our history book in 2012.
Whilst all copies have long since been sold, a library copy is permanently available at the bar, for anyone to read.
Life member Norman Gannaway was able to pick up the pieces and with extra research, support from Ray and input from the club Officers and Committee at the time, we produced our history book in 2012.
Whilst all copies have long since been sold, a library copy is permanently available at the bar, for anyone to read.
Our future...
As with any club, we only survive by listening to our members. Each in their own way influence our approach and new ideas are considered by the Officers and Committee on behalf of the entire membership.
More often than not, an idea is supported and hopefully it becomes successful and remains a key part of club life.
Without such suggestions, we wouldn't have a function room providing live, free, music every Saturday night; nor would we have thriving teams playing darts, pool and skittles. We wouldn't have a spacious beer garden with children's play area, or our Sky TV Ultimate sports package showcasing many pay-per-view events.
It was this member input that led to annual in-house darts, pool and snooker competitions; a thriving golf society with their regular St. George's Day Trophy; cash games on a Friday and Saturday night; our annual beer festival; installing a community-use defibrillator; and last but not least, a free Family Friday held monthly, with a movie for children followed by a disco for all.
When this progress was capped with becoming the UK's Community Club of the Year, we were pleased to know we were headed in the right direction, but the work is not done.
Times evolve, members change and life moves on. As an independent private member's club, we choose to react to this and hopefully keep our club as vibrant and popular today as it has ever been, but remaining a relevant and attractive place to visit for both current and future members.
More often than not, an idea is supported and hopefully it becomes successful and remains a key part of club life.
Without such suggestions, we wouldn't have a function room providing live, free, music every Saturday night; nor would we have thriving teams playing darts, pool and skittles. We wouldn't have a spacious beer garden with children's play area, or our Sky TV Ultimate sports package showcasing many pay-per-view events.
It was this member input that led to annual in-house darts, pool and snooker competitions; a thriving golf society with their regular St. George's Day Trophy; cash games on a Friday and Saturday night; our annual beer festival; installing a community-use defibrillator; and last but not least, a free Family Friday held monthly, with a movie for children followed by a disco for all.
When this progress was capped with becoming the UK's Community Club of the Year, we were pleased to know we were headed in the right direction, but the work is not done.
Times evolve, members change and life moves on. As an independent private member's club, we choose to react to this and hopefully keep our club as vibrant and popular today as it has ever been, but remaining a relevant and attractive place to visit for both current and future members.