The Paignton ClubBuilt 1884

Situated less than twenty yards from the seashore at the south end of Paignton Esplanade, the Paignton Club, the town's most famous building, goes largely unrecognised by most who amble by at leisure or pass by in a vehicle.

Yet this imposing Victorian building, with its impressive and distinctive Doric columns and commanding view of the bay, was built as a Gentlemen's Club in 1884 and today retains that function. It is still a non-political social club, although over the years its membership base has dramatically changed due to the changing social order over the last century.

The building was designed by Paignton's most famous architect, George Bridgman, and built by the equally famous local builders C and R E Drew for the grand sum of £1,600. The official opening came on 22nd December 1884, although construction continued until 1886. In 2003, on the 22nd of December, one hundred and nineteen years later, the Torbay Civic Society, in partnership with the Paignton Club, arranged for a blue plaque to honour and commemorate the founding date of the club. With Club and Civic Society members in attendance, Torbay Mayor Nick Bye officiated by unveiling the club's blue plaque.

The original club rules specified that only persons from the professions, medicine or the Church could apply for membership, although those of "superior rank" from the services were allowed to submit their names for consideration. In all cases the historic "black ball" system of election to membership applied, and this ensured many applicants were unsuccessful.

Interestingly, it was not until the 1960s that local business proprietors, the so-called "trade", were allowed in. But with the march of time the old-fashioned and original concept of a gentlemen's club was modified, and in the 1930s the club even accepted the fairer sex, although ladies, unless accompanied by a male member, would always be asked to enter via the rear door.

Today, of course, the rules have been much updated, and membership categories are now sufficiently open to allow any gentleman over the age of eighteen, provided he is not a registered bankrupt, to apply for membership irrespective of profession, and there is also an Honorary Life Member category. Ladies over the age of eighteen may also be admitted as an Associate member, and again an Honorary Life Member category is available to ladies.

Over recent decades there have been continuous internal improvements, and today, in addition to the snooker room with its three full-size tables, smaller rooms have also been refurbished. On the ground floor there is a members' bar in a fully refurbished room which ensures a relaxing "club atmosphere". The main hall and stairs were next refurbished, and finally the restaurant and other public areas were updated.

The Paignton Club today is still strictly run according to its original constitution, duly amended by members at the AGM each year. The Trustees, also elected at an AGM, serve for life, and together with the Management Committee ensure the smooth running of the club.

A dress code is still strictly enforced. The club also continues to hire out rooms to external organisations or individuals wanting a centrally situated, easily accessible and extremely attractive venue for an event, with facilities comprising a bar snack or restaurant facility as well as leisurely areas for meetings, quiet games or presentations. Finally, members are allowed to bring visitors into the club from time to time, provided they properly sign the visitors' book in accordance with club and licensing rules that apply to all privately owned institutions of this type.

Written by the Torbay Civic Society, from research supplied for the Society's records