About Clubs and Societies

The role that clubs and societies play, and have played, in supporting amateur activties across the country is both unique and unparelleled but their true value within communities is almost certainly underestimated.
Not only have they helped millions of individuals follow their passions and develop their talents but the list of benefits to the wider community is incalculable.

The economy benefits through using local services, the hiring of venues and premises and the purchase or hire of materials and equipment.

Education benefits through teaching and the passing on of expertise, possibly for future employment, and increasing self confidence by improving communication skills and social networking.

Charities across the country, both local and national, benefit substantially from the year-round fundraising by clubs and societies who in themselves are often short of funds.

But perhaps it's socially were the impact is greatest and where quality of life is enhanced through new friendships with likeminded people engaged in something they truly enjoy. Many find a renewed sense of purpose when sharing insights and experiences and exploring new ideas and maybe even re-discovering their true potential.

Yet it's so easy for us to take all this for granted !

And we sometimes overlook the dedication of those few highly committed individuals who take on the task of running our clubs and societies. Alongside mastering the art of survival and preserving each groups distinctive personality many of them have cleverly adapted their groups to attract new members. Impressive and authentic as their club or society's past may be they have not tied themselves to it but have evolved to meet the needs of the new generations who will go on to add yet another layer to their incomparable history.

Without doubt every single club or society that supports the amateur world deserves mention but as there are many thousands its simply isn't possible to include them all. For the moment we have chosen to list those who have reached the 100 Year Milestone while at the same time paying huge tribute to the many others who play such a vital role in our society......their contribution has no equal.