Our History
We are a Kentish Social Club based in Hartley.
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Hartley Social Club has a rich history, locating in
an 1800's jam factory that has been transformed into an exceptional social club.
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Hartley is remarkably fortunate among Kent villages. Despite having only around a thousand residents spread across a vast area, back in 1936, it boasts a wealth of social amenities. Among them, two notable and thriving clubs stand out, each catering to specific tastes and preferences of their members. One of the most cheerful and inviting establishments in the village is Hartley Social Club, located in a charming building that once served as a jam factory for Samuel Allen’s Strawberry Jam a part of Fairby Farm which was a vast area across Hartley. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a well-appointed social hub. Hartley Social Club opened its doors on December 3rd, 1934.
In 1926, the building was used for another club called 'Hartley Constitutional Club’, 13 spirited members of the community came together with the guaranteed sum of £100 to put the scheme into operation. These thirteen were Commander F. T. Morgan, Captain D Copus, Messrs. J Green, H Symons, A Cox, J Marsh, A Dines, H.T. Parrett, P Newcombe, L Harris, J Sims and W.J. Bye.
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In 1930, The Hartley Sports Club provided an outlet for people interested in outdoor sport, therefore the field on the present site of Hartley Country Club was rented with an option of purchase for £1,000. The outdoor sports included Cricket, Tennis, Hockey, Football and later on Bowls. By 1933 indoor and outdoor club life became popular and the decision was made to buy the sports ground and build a Club House, which is now called Hartley Country Club.
Hartley Social Club opened our doors in 1934 with the members and committee serving behind the bar.
I (Laura) have spoken to local historians and current & previous members regarding the history.
As we date back as far as 1934 it is hard to find a lot of information on the club!
Thank you to Peter Mayer for your research over the years,
his website is http://www.hartley-kent.org.uk/ , and
thank you to Gerald Cramp for coming to speak to me regarding your findings.
Also to thank you to Andy for lending me Charles M. Ellerby's book about Hartley Village written back in 1975.
All my findings are from articles or photographs, which I have added into this page. If you have any more information on the club over the years, please pop into the club and speak to Laura.
