Hungerford Virtual Museum

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by Hugh Pihlens

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Hungerford Club is a thriving members' club based in The Croft.

Originally it the Church House Library and Club, and was based in the newly built Church House in The Croft (now Croft Hall). Church House Club and Library was first mooted by the Vicar, Rev HA Sealy, MA. He intended it should "benefit mainly the young men of the town: without distinction of social status, but with special reference to those engaged in business or trade. The age limits will be somewhere between 18 and 40; the subscription probably about 5s a year. It is hoped to provide literature, books, magazine, papers, games; and , if possible, a Billiard Table.

A Committee was formed, including George Platt, H D'O W Astley, EB Myddleton, J Matthews, Dr Major and Dr Dickson.

The Club was formed in December 1901, initially with a "good and useful Library". "The aim in view is to provide, especially for the young men of the Town, a place where they can spend some part of their evenings in harmless amusement and healthy surroundings. No fewer than 70 applications for membership have been received." The Committee had reconsidered the membership subscription, and had decided to allow a quarterly payment of 1s 6d. The library and reading room went on to be very popular.




	The Church House Billiards Room, c1925

The original billiard table was given by Sir WG Pearce in March 1902. A second table was purchased in November 1909. The handsome 6-light pendant was donated at the same time by The Honourable John Ward, of Chilton Lodge.

In April 1913 a new billiard table was installed - a ninety guinea match table by Messrs Wright of London. The other "very good" table was by Messrs Riley.

In addition to the club room, library, Reading Room, and billiards, the generous endowment in Sir William Pearce's will allowed the establishment of an active Sunday School, and later a Sports Section.

See also:
- Parish Magazine, esp Sep 1901; Oct 1901; Dec 1901, Apr 1913