The Social Club was formed in 1936 for the men of Wickwar. Sixty members attended a meeting on January 23rd 1936 and paid six shillings (30 pence) each to start off.
Eventually there were ninety six founder members. Previously the property had been a public house the Beaufort Arms.
The Social Club’s first stewardess was Mrs Lizzie Raggatt who was previously the landlady of the Beaufort Arms. She served the club from 1936-1949. All drinks were served to members at the table.
Mrs Raggatt was at the Club through the Second World War Years. All members when called up into the forces were made Honorary members for the duration.
The second stewardess was Mrs Daisy Crew who with her husband Ted were at the club from 1949-1961. She also acted as Treasurer during this time. From 1961 -1975 Mrs Ethel Fitzgibbon with her husband Denis was Club Stewardess. The Social Club’s longest serving Stewardess is Mrs Jill Hopkins who started with her husband Peter in July 1977. She retired in August 2009 and is now an Honorary member.
Landlords of the Beaufort Arms (Prior to the building being the Social Club):
1856 C. Hopkins
1885, 1900 Alfred Carter
1891 Elizabeth Sheppard
1902, 1903, 1906, 1919 Alfred Raggatt
1927 Daniel I. Raggatt
More Information:
Owner in 1891: Arnold Perrett & Co. Ltd., Wickwar Brewery
Rateable Value in 1891: £11.5s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Arnold Perrett & Co. Ltd., Wickwar Brewery
Rateable Value in 1903: £11.5s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Many thanks to Geoff Sandles of Gloucestershire Pubs for the information above.
