About us

Crick Ex-Servicemen’s Club is a friendly, community-run club serving members, guests, and the wider village of Crick.

History

The club is a historic Grade II listed building . It was originally built in 1847 in the Gothic Revival style as a school with an attached teacher’s house — Crick club is in what was the boys school with the girls school being across Church St in what is now known as ‘The Old School’

The Club building features characteristic red and blue brick with ironstone dressings and has an octagonal bell turret with a small spire which has recently been opened up inside the club

Crick Ex-Servicemen’s Club was formed by Dr Smith (pictured below) on his return in late 1919 from service as a Captain in the Royal Medical Corps. Dr Smith was President of the Club from its foundation until his death in 1952. Members first met in an outbuilding of his family home, Queen House, in Lauds Road. There was space for about 50 men but Dr Smith subsequently acquired the Boys School on Church St.

Electricity and lighting were not installed in the building until the mid-1930s and heating was provided by a “pot” coal fired stove similar to the ones in St Margaret’s church. The stove was in the main room near where the bar is today. It is said that there was quite an “atmosphere” in the room when the coal fired stove was burning and the men were smoking their cigarettes and pipes! There was a billiard table and piano for entertainment together with seating and tables. Sadly no photos appear to exist of those days

A more detailed report was written by Jim Goodger, the Crick archivist and can be viewed here

There is also a really good video made at the time of the centenary celebrations of Crick Club which can be viewed here

Today

The club today welcomes everyone and remains a valued social space for locals. We offer a relaxed atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a regular programme of events. The club is run by a voluntary committee

We remain very proud of our military connections and take an active role in commemorating remembrance day and other anniversaries. Crick’s Roll of Honour is displayed prominently in the Club

Location

Crick Ex-Servicemen’s Club , Church St, Crick, Northampton NN6 7TP

Opening Times

Membership

Membership is open to new members and costs £12 per year. Please ask at the bar for details.

Membership is renewable annually in January

Non-members are charged £2 per visit (For special events such as New year’s Eve the non-member fee is £5)