The intricate connections between the
Conservative Club and Conservative Party here in Royston are a mystery to many,
but a quick look at our history may provide some of the answers. The Club is
well over 100 years old, and was officially affiliated to the Association of
Conservative Clubs in 1898, and in 1998 the Club celebrated its Centenary,
although the Club, and the Association had been in existence for some years
before. In 1886 officers of the Association party formed a committee to discuss
the creation of a club to provide a social meeting place for Royston
Conservatives, and to promote conservatism in and around Royston. A year later
money was provided by party members and the club started trading in 1887.
Over the following years the club formed its own
management committees with the party appointing the trustees. (This has now
changed, with the Trustees being appointed by the membership at a General
Meeting.) This left the Association free to concentrate on the political side.
Here are a few important
dates in the Club’s history.
1886
A
meeting was held for the purpose of forming a Conservative Club for
Royston. It was unanimously decided to form a Conservative Club with Mr
John Phillips as Chairman.
1887
A loan
of £10 was made by Mr William Thomas Nash, to be repaid out of the assets of
the Club, when the committee decided that funds were available.
1896
The
Membership register for that year showed that each member chose the amount
of their own subscription. These ranged from five pounds to half a crown!
1898
The
Club officially affiliated to the Association of Conservative Clubs.
1899
Confirmation was received from the National Union of Conservative Clubs that
the Club had been affiliated.
1916
In the
Will of Mr William Thomas Nash, deceased, it was stated that the loan (made
in 1887) need not be repaid.
1961
An
additional mixed bar was made available to both men and lady members. New
furnishings were provided, and television and other amusements were added.
1990
Mr
Michael Portillo MP officially opened an extension to the Club.
1998
The
Club celebrated its official Centenary. Among the celebrations was a ball
held at the Officers Mess at Duxford. Guests of Honour were Mr Oliver Heald
MP, and his wife Christine, and Rt Hon Sir Marcus Fox MBE, Chairman of the
Association of Conservative Clubs, and his wife Lady Ann Fox.
The Club continues to
uphold the traditions on which it was founded, and we hope it continues in the
same vein, and remains a success for the next 100 years.
