Our Proud History
The Hill Park Memorial Working Men's Club has held a long and proud history.
In 1947 when Mr James Miller and his 3 drinking friends had an argument with the landlord at the Highlands Public House, they were told to drink elsewhere. After meeting in Mr Miller's shed, they decided to build the club. Mr Miller donated the land arranged the necessary loans. This naturally generated a lot of interest with neighbours and local tradesmen.
It took nearly 4 years to organise and build, with over 2 years in construction. Members of the club laid concrete blocks, erected the steelwork, and every job down to the paint work. Mr Fred Dyke took the position of Club President. The Hampshire Telegraph and Post reported back on September 1st 1950:
"Practically every evening for four years, members of the Hill Park Working Men's Club, Fareham, have been doing some job to help towards the completion of their club headquarters. And when the completed club is opened in October, it will be a proud day for these men, who have erected every stick and stone, and loaned life savings to buy the building materials."
The Memorial aspect was added in memory of Mr Miller's wife and two sisters, who were killed when a bomb landed on their house in 1944. Mr Miller donated his land for the club, which is situated right alongside the impact site: where the encumbent steward's house now stands.
Now, in 2009, one year on from the club's 60th year since it's foundation, we are equally proud to welcome our members old and new, to continue to enjoy the host of entertainment the club has to offer.
A brief club history
March 1951 - Heating was installed in the club in the form of big coke stoves. The steward was required to keep the scuttles full, but the members for stoking the stoves
January 1952 - The first annual general meeting. 70 members were present out of a total of 300. (More than current AGM's with over 1600 members!)
June 1952 - The first microphone installed in the club. Officially called the 'David Whittingham' it was effective at 1000 miles
May 1953 - It was decided a vacuum cleaner was essential for the club
June 1954 - Member's children were allowed in the club on Sunday evenings with their parents
November 1954 - The first annual dinner was held at a cost 6/6d per head
November 1955 - Permission was granted for the secretary to spend a maximum of 7 pounds 10 shillings on one night's entertainment and 10 pounds on Bank holidays
January 1956 - First children's party held
July 1957 - Beer prices increased by half a penny to 6d per pint
April 1958 - Mr James Miller, club founder, died on 23rd April 1958. In his will, he bequeathed the club land, house and grounds to the club members in petpetuum
September 1958 - Mr Fred Dyke the club President died
April 1959 - Past Chairman Arthur Winsor died. Mr Winsor wrote all the scripts and sketches for the concerts.
February 1961 - Mr Charles Howell elected to the position of President
November 1962 - Mr Madgewick was reprimanded for selling chickens in the club
May 1965 - Mr T Miller became the first member to be expelled from the club
April 1970 - Mr R L Curtis and Mr F S Newell awarded the first Certificates of Merit for 10 years continuous Committee service
March 1978 - Mr J Crowe elected as President
April 1985 - The first fruit machine was purchased
March 1997 - The AGM voted by a good majority to accept females as full club members with equal rights