• There has been a club more -or-less since the opening of the hospital in 1941- early activities were sporadic but diverse, a beetle drive and a dance held in an empty Ward G were recorded in early minutes.
• In 1970 it was agreed the hospital should have a properly organised club facility and due to the untiring and strenuous efforts of several people in particular Mr Roger Farrell permission was granted to use a reasonably large room in the basement of east block. A licence was obtained to sell alcohol from the local justices and a bar/lounge area created mainly by the efforts of a few DIY experts. The old bar became the home for the disco equipment when additional rooms were made available.
• Situated in the basement 
• Comprised of:
  • Lounge bar
  • Small television room
  • Larger open area which could be used for meetings and events.
• Staffed by a married couple and opened at lunchtime and in the evenings.
• At lunchtime it served sandwiches and snacks, which were a popular alternative to canteen meals (and if one timed it right a lunch break could offer the opportunity to watch a bit of children’s TV – Trumpton and Mr Ben were favourites!)
• In the evenings it provided somewhere for those living in Crow’s Nest (Doctors accommodation) and Nurses homes to get together.
• Supported with sponsorship from Davenports Brewery next door
• Home for social functions 
• Hosted many events such as quizzes, parties, and general socialising. This all helped to cement the Acci team spirit and the feeling of ‘family’
• On-call half pint only rule 
• Never abused
• Salaried and voluntary staff
• Many staff resident in early years.  Club provided social focus
• Used during break times 
• Late shift finished 21:30hrs staff often gravitated to club
• Flexible closing times, based on demand 
• Regular parties, Christmas, and New Year celebrations
• Twice a month the large room was used by the Head Injuries Club

The Social Club Badge

• It was decided the social club should have a badge for use on a club tie and other merchandise
• 2 symbols from the Armorial Bearings of the Institute of Accident Surgery were used – St. Barbara’s tower and St Edward’s crown 
  
• The tower surmounted by the crown is gold on a blue background
• Two ties bearing the tower already existed:
  • A gold tower on a red background – for members of the medical society
  • A gold tower surmounting a figure 3 – for members who worked with a particular surgical team

“Ties and ladies squares are available through the Social C1ub. Both are very attractively designed and of good quality material.Price: Ties £1.90 each. Squares £2.10 each (these are being sold at cost price)”

Progress

• Soon became apparent premises were inadequate and that manning the bar on a rota basis was not satisfactory
• An extra room was acquired courtesy of the hospital management and a loan from the brewery next door, Davenports, permitted the building of a new bar
• In addition, a salaried steward was appointed to run the bar
• The Club became very popular and successful, particularly amongst resident staff
• Initial monthly membership fees were 13 pence per calendar month – 6/d old money 
• In 1979-80 as an example the officers and committee included:
  • Chairman – Dr Chris Lawrence (Head BAH MRC)
  • Vice-Chairman: Mr Peter Millard (hospital administrator)
  • Treasurer: Mr Harold Lilley (MRC Scientist)
  • Committee Member: Mrs Wendy Malley (Assistant Matron)
• In addition, the Club had activity organisers for:
  • Table tennis
  • Darts
  • Netball
  • Photography
  • Tennis 
  • Football
  • Volleyball
  • Cricket 
  • Badminton 
  • Golf
  • Old time dancing 
• Primary objective of the Club was to provide the means for all members to socialise and obtain refreshments and such recreational facilities as they might reasonably require
• The Club was situated in the basement
• The Club was normally open from 8.30am-11.30pm
  • The licensing hours were noon to 2pm and 6pm-10.30pm, excepting Sundays when the licensed hours were 7pm -10.30pm
  • The Club was closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday 
• The entrance foyer contained the main notice board which provided information about forthcoming events etc 
• Adjacent to the foyer was the television lounge with a colour television set, easy chairs, and occasional tables 
• Access to the lounge bar could be obtained via the foyer or lounge during licensed hours 
• Beyond the foyer was a reasonably large recreation room which contained the bar facilities during licensing hours.  Darts and table tennis were available to members at most times and other games on request including dominoes, cards, and draughts etc
• Proper toilet facilities were available 
• The main Club room was NOT available between 6pm and 8pm or the first and third Monday of each month when the facility was given over to the Head Injuries Club 
• Social Club officers were elected at the Annual General Meeting
• In 1979 the Steward was Mr Tom Baynon, Assistant Steward Mrs Cynthia Baynon and relief bar staff Mr Roger Bolas and Mr Bill Rigby
• There was restricted access in the club from time to time during evening when the table tennis group met, or the old-time dancing section bar facilities were maintained
• Discos and dances were held fairly often the frequency varying with the season. These functions usually took place in the main club room where a small entrance fee was charged 
• The Club had its own disco equipment 
• The Club supported a diverse variety of sporting and other recreational activities 
• The Club had trophies which were awarded annually for most sporting activities