The History of The Uckfield Club
The Uckfield Club was originally "The Uckfield Institute" and was located in the High Street. The original building was donated to the town on January 3rd 1887 by the local Squire, Mr R J Streatfield and at times was used as a soup kitchen, a chess club, a theater and a thriving bowls club. During the Second World War, the bowling greens were lost to the "Dig for Britain" war effort and produced vegetables for the locals.
Property developers Robin James (Sussex) Ltd built the current building in 1985 to provide new premises for the 'as then' 345 members as a swap for the High Street building. The old building was subsequently demolished and some of the buildings (e.g. Boots etc...) next to the Bridge Cottage are its replacement.
The new building was opened in April 1985 by Mr Ron Hodge who had been the Treasurer for 40 years until failing eyesight caused him to relinquish the office. A plaque was unveiled under the watchful eye of a stag's head (the owner of which is reputed to have once roamed the Buxted Park country estate). The stag's head is currently not on display in the club but may make a surprise appearance in the future. In the meantime, here is what the handsome chap looked like when he was displayed.
Property developers Robin James (Sussex) Ltd built the current building in 1985 to provide new premises for the 'as then' 345 members as a swap for the High Street building. The old building was subsequently demolished and some of the buildings (e.g. Boots etc...) next to the Bridge Cottage are its replacement.
The new building was opened in April 1985 by Mr Ron Hodge who had been the Treasurer for 40 years until failing eyesight caused him to relinquish the office. A plaque was unveiled under the watchful eye of a stag's head (the owner of which is reputed to have once roamed the Buxted Park country estate). The stag's head is currently not on display in the club but may make a surprise appearance in the future. In the meantime, here is what the handsome chap looked like when he was displayed.
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Above is the actual Stags Head that adorned the Club's wall at one time... and here's the Club Logo that we use today - pretty close likeness for sure :-)
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