A brief history, from the text of the souvenir
programme for the club's 50th anniversary in 1999
by the late Fred Wannell, President 1975-2002
OriginsOn the 3rd day of November 1949 a number of ex-naval men met at the Lighter Inn, Topsham. The outcome was the formation of the Topsham White Ensign Club. Officers elected were: Mr RG Eames (President); Mr B Shell (Chairman); Mr WJ Tenbeth (Secretary); Mr J Fricker (Treasurer). Among other founder members were: Mr SF Snell, Mr F Beard, Mr D Copeland, Mr D Lansdowne, Mr W Nethercott, and Mr J May.
By 1st December 1949, 21 members had registered. The first Annual General Meeting of the club took place on 3rd February 1950, and at this meeting it was agreed to accept Honorary Members, as not enough ex-naval men were supportiing the club. Rules which had been drawn up were also accepted at this meeting, copies of which were supplied at one shilling per book. A benevolent fund was also set up and this was used to grant sick relief to members.
In September 1950 a Ladies' s Section of the club was established. In 1951 the club obtained its own standard, which was dedicated at a parade and church service at St Margaret¹s on Sunday 27th May. Among those taking part were members of the Exeter and Exmouth White Ensign Clubs, Topsham and Exmouth Royal British Legion, and Exeter and Exmouth Sea Cadets. Admiral Peters took the salute, and tea was served afterwards at the Raleigh Hall.
Funds were raised in various ways, one being the introduction of what was known as a "Tommy Dodd": members gave such things as a packet of cigarettes or a bottle of beer which were then auctioned off to the highest bidder, who very often immediately put them up again. Waste paper was also collected, and in December 1951 such as collection raised the sum of £3.1s.6d.
Entertainment took the form of outings and get-togethers with other service organisations. Children's parties were also held as well as trips to pantomimes, A visit to Teignmouth White Ensign Club was arranged, and the cost of hiring the coach was £4.15s.0d. The Ladies' Section obtained their own standard in 1952 and this was dedicated at a service in October that year.
The Club moved its headquarters from the Lighter Inn to the Passage Inn on Friday 16th October 1953 (the Lighter having changed landlords), Meetings continued at the Passage Inn until 1957, when a further transfer took place on 28th June to the London & South Western Hotel.
Wider membershipAt that time membership of the club was restricted by an earlier rule stating that there must be two naval members to every non-naval person. This resulted in a membership of ony 38. In order for the club to expand its membership, it was agreed at the AGM held in February 1959 to open the membership to anyone who had the interest of the club at heart.
The Topsham White Ensign was the first organisation to run Bingo sessions in Matthews Hall. These were started in April 1960, and by July of that year regular weekly sessions were held on a Friday evening, resulting in a steady increase in income.
Headquarters were again moved in March 1952, this time to the King's Head in Shapter Street. In September 1962 the Topsham White Ensign Rifle Club was formed, and shooting competitions were held at the Drill Hall, Shapter Street, which was also the home of the Topsham Rifle Club. Our rifle club continued until 1970 when it was closed down following the sale of the Drill Hall.
In 1965 it was agreed to merge the Ladies' and Mens' Sections in order to bring the club closer together and foster new ideas. The first joint meeting was held on 10th March.
1966 saw the first production at Matthews Hall of a Palace of Varieties Show organised by the club using its own considerable talent supported by a professional act. This show was the first of many. The Shows were later replaced with Cabarets having acts booked through a professional agency. All proved to be very popular, some running for two nights in one week, with every seat taken. In July 1966 the Drill Hall came onto the market and the club applied for planning permission, but this was refused.
From the late 60s the club was great supporter of the British Seamen's Boys' Home at Brixham. Many of our members invited boys for holidays and sent them Christmas cards. The Boys' Home Band was very popular, and attended a number of Topsham Carnivals. They also attended one of the Bingo sessions at Matthews Hall where they were presnted with a bugle, paid for by the regular Bingo players. The club also presented the Band with a number of bugles and sashes over this period. This worthwhile relationship ended in November 1979, at whch time the home was running down with very few boys left.
A last moveJune 1968 saw the club move to the Salutation Hotel, its last move prior to obtaining its own premises. Negotiations took place with British Rail in December 1968 over the possible use of the Booking Hall and Waiting Room at Topsham Station. It was decided, however, that the space available was too small for the club's needs - aside from the fact that it was only available on a short lease.
In February 1969 the words "and Social" were added to the club¹s name. It was felt that this more aptly described the nature of the club due to the steady influx of non-naval members. At the same time it was recognised that the club had been formed by ex-naval personnel and that we wished to continue, and indeed foster, our links with other ex-service clubs with which we had a long and fruitful relationship.
In March 1971 the club entered into negotiations wiith the owner of 76 Fore Street regarding the possible purchase of the premises. Planning approval was obtained in June that year, but after careful consideration it was decided that even with various loans the project was beyond the club's means. It was not until December 1974 that further progress was made toward owning our own premises.
Our own premisesAt this time the Abbey Rooms became available, and in February 1975 a planning application was made for change of use to club premises. Approval was granted the followig month. The club expresses its gratitude to all those residents of White Street and others who supported our application, and hope that their faith in us has not been altered by our presence. The contract for the Abbey Rooms was signed in June and the keys were handed over on 1st July 1975.
There then followed a two-year period of intense effort and hard work to refurbish the building. Plans were drawn up and approved, and a team of dedicated members worked most evenings and practically every weekend throughout that period, culminating in the grand opening on Saturday 26th November 1977.
Since the opening of the club the Ladies had monthly meetings, with many interesting people giving talks and demonstrations on a variety of subjects. (Note: as of 2006, these separate meetings have been discontinued).
The following years have seen many improvements made to the premises, including a complete new bar and replacement furnishings. Facilities are available to accommodate up to 60 members for sit-down meals. The Games Room is equipped with a pool table and skittle alley. There is a thriving Skittles League which runs during the winter months. Involving so many players, it has helped promote the social mix of the club.
The club continues, as it always has, to take part in community activities such as Town Fayre Week. Its role in the Town Fayre is normally organisational (marshalling the Carnival) but it has even managed to spare the odd member recently to enable the club to have its own entry in the Carnival. The club gives support to others wherever possible, and we are happy to accommodate the Topsham Branch of the Royal British Legion for their meetings.
Long may it continue...
NOW IN OUR 60th ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Its facilities comprise a large and comfortable clubroom with a members' bar (staffed by volunteers), and a games room with a pool table and skittle alley, the latter attracting a thriving winter Skittles League. We pride ourself on our friendly atmosphere. Membership requires nomination by two members and acceptance by the Committee. If you wish to see the club before applying to join, a member can sign you in as a guest.
