CLUB HISTORY

It is impossible to give a complete history of the
club in one page and what follows can only be a
potted version of "UP SPIRITS" (The book, A History of
the Nautical Club, written by Roy Nowell-Sullivan).

In his account, Nowell-Sullivan refers to some of
us as the Errol Flynns of yesteryear, so be it,
at least I now know what my wife saw in me !.

Throughout his narrative he refers to the pride
one feels in this club, this pride in club & country
is still paramount and "Land of hope & glory" is
second only to the National Anthem which must be
sung after every function at the club.

The founding of the club goes back to 1962 with
the forming of the Submarine Old Comrades
Association at the Robin Hood public house,
the club was eventually started by members
from the Submariners & the Royal marines.

From these associations, after a tremendous
amount of heart searching and hard work,
was born the Nautical Club which opened on
Dean Street on Saturday 15th March 1969,
eventually force of circumstances dictated that
new premises had to be found and a
brand new building was erected where the club
still resides today, the club moved in,
lock, stock and barrel, during October 1973.

During its formative years the club has received
an invaluable collection of ships plaques,
paintings, photographs and other Naval
memorabilia, which is unsurpassed anywhere in
the country and which is still being added to
even today, this memorabilia is spread
in showcases and around the walls
where visitors can view artifacts of our
Naval heritage both old and newly fashioned,
together with paintings and
photographs of some of our most famous
fighting ships.

The club is home to fourteen different associations
and has always kept to its Naval traditions.
Although the club now accepts
Associate Members, its uniqueness is still
fiercely guarded and only those prepared to
accept these traditions will be considered for
Associate membership.

Visitors are welcome, as are parties from
other clubs and associations,
however parties can only be catered for
by prior arrangement and every effort
will be made to make your visit a
memorable one.

The club is open from noon to three p.m and
seven p.m to eleven p.m on weekdays,
plus from noon to two thirty p.m and
seven p.m to ten thirty p.m on sundays.

Serving members automatically become club
members for the duration of their visit.

So come along and
"Splice the Mainbrace" with us !.

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