The History of Tooting Conservative Club
 

Although the Club has existed since 1870, it officially became Tooting Conservative and Unionist Club on Saturday 24^th July 1886. This was when it was opened by the Right Honourable James Lowther, a Conservative Politician and Speaker of the House of Commons. 

Sir Henry Kimber, Conservative MP for Wandsworth 1885-1913, was the first ever member of the Club. 
 

The Club was the first Conservative Club in Wandsworth, and one of the first in the country. 

The premises, previously known as The Retreat, were rented to the Club for £35 per annum. 

The Main Bar was a Reading Room with daily papers delivered for the members to enjoy. 

The upstairs rooms, now a function room, Committee Room and offices, were originally a recreation room, a billiards room and a library. 

Sandwiches and drinks were served by a waiter, who was usually the Steward of the club, who lived upstairs with his wife.

The Club held many garden parties and events, the proceeds of which were donated to charities in the local area – a custom carried on to this very day.

The Club had many local prominent members who were instrumental in improving the area, which was growing into a rural suburb.  
 

At that time Tooting was but a village, and the back of the Club was fields and farmland.

In 1900, the Bowling Green and Skittle Alley were opened, and in 1938, the back parts of the club were rebuilt, forming the Ladies Lounge, which is now the Dance Hall.

Many of our members fought in both World Wars, and the Club gave free membership to all those in the Armed Forces, as well as a ten shilling note per year, to spend in the Cub.
 

The Club's freehold and premises were negotiated and purchased for £1,000 at 5.25% interest.  This was paid in full by 1934. It was celebrated with a Commemoration Supper and the taking of a photo of the Committee at that time.


 


This photo still hangs in the Committee Room upstairs.
 

The Club is, and always will be, an important part of Tooting history.  Over decades, many families have enjoyed all its entertainment, fun events and warm, friendly environment. They will continue to do so for many years to come.