IT was a double celebration for Stourbridge Old Edwardian Club recently when members marked the 125th anniversary of the club’s foundation and the 50th anniversary of its move to its current home.
Around 70 members and their guests celebrated the double milestone with a buffet and a brief history of the club presented by past president and club archivist Kenneth Wright.
The celebration, on October 7, also included songs performed by singing duo The Lavender Girls.
The club was formed in September 1898 to provide social and on-going sporting activities for former pupils of King Edward VI Grammar School, now King Edward VI College.
A lease was taken on first-floor accommodation above retail premises, known as Alexandra Chambers and located opposite the school in Lower High Street.
The original building still exists on the corner of Queen Street - then known as Wollaston Street.
During the inter-war years, the school expanded to accommodate more than 600 pupils with a corresponding rise in club membership which enabled the club to buy buildings known as Dane Tree House in Victoria Street in 1931.
As a result of the re-development of Stourbridge town centre and the creation of the Ryemarket, the club’s premises were demolished and it moved in 1973 to new purpose-built premises in Drury Lane, off Market Street.
Today, membership remains open to former pupils of any King Edward VI foundation school or college. For more information visit www.oldedclub.org For its first 112 years the club permitted men only but in 2010 members voted to extend membership to female ex-students from the college too.
Those who are not ex-pupils but wish to use the club’s facilities can apply for associate membership, but this does not include voting rights.
Numerous organisations hold their meetings at the clubhouse, which offers catering, social and snooker facilities and boasts its own car park.
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