Club History - full download below

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 The Camberley & District Club opened its doors in 1903.  Offering local gentlemen a place to socialise and play Billiards.

This was 5 years before construction began on the RMS Titanic, and 11 years before the start of World War 1.

1903 saw the first transatlantic radio broadcast between United States and Britain - Edward VII was on the throne - Britain took over the Fulani empire - George Orwell and Bob Hope were born

 In 1910, an Australian youth called George Gray almost single-handedly caused a huge revival of interest in billiards in England. 

 He left Australia for his first English tour on 15th June 1910, playing his first public match in Leeds in October of that year, his tour being sponsored by Riley's, the billiard table manufacturer. 

 The highest of his breaks was 2,196 unfinished against Cecil Harverson in a match of 8,000 up played at the Holborn Town Hall, London, on 18th March 1911.  This image was found in the cellar of the District Club and dated 16th March 1911 indicating Gray must have visited the club two days prior

This copy of the agenda for the club AGM details how the club secretary was W. COWGILL and held on 1st February 1943 in the midst of World War2.

It details how the club had £4447 9 11 in the bank, and made donations to the local prisoner of war fund, ARP expenses, took donations for the British Red Cross and held £200 of 'Australian Stock'

Due to the clubs unique location, set back in an alleyway on the London Road, many opportunities to photograph it were missed.

This image taken in 1963 shows a number 3 bus heading to Reading, and the clubs front entrance can just be seen to the right off the bus .

Although not the actual club, the building that houses the club has always had a separate occupant.  This can be seen here in the 1970's when it was occupied by Shorts Jewellers.  Shorts was run by the grandmother of Camberley local David Rice.

This is now the home of Five Sixes Taxis.

1972 saw the clubs annual dinner held nearby, with local Police in attendance as visitors, and entertainment from Felix Bowness of Hi-De-Hi fame, magician Alan Shaxon who later taught Tom Cruise slight of hand for his Mission Impossible films, and Maria Hyde with her accordian

Image courtesy of Richard Stone

Another view of the entranceway to the club seen here in 1980 where the remnants of a small office in the alleyway can be seen.  This has now since been removed but the felt lining can still be seen in the brickwork of the Cabin Bar wall in 2023.

Image courtesy of Lee McCormish

The annual club dinner was held at the Civic Hall Camberley on Friday 9th February 1990.  

Grace - John Martin

Loyal Toast - John Martin

Toast to Guests - Alex Stark - Chairman

Reply & Toast to the club - Ray Allen & Lord Charles

Vote of Thanks - Bert Broster

Image courtesy of Richard Stone