Groby Ex-Servicemen'S Club, Leicestershire
Founded in 1912 and becoming part of the CIU in 1926, Groby Ex-Servicemen's Club continues to be an integral part of village life with its impressive facilities providing a fantastic environment for members of all ages
In the heart of the Leicestershire village of Groby – just a few miles from Leicester city centre – stands a pillar of the community, an institution that has woven itself into the very fabric of local life.
The Groby Ex-Servicemen's Club is, on the surface, a thriving social club with excellent facilities.
But to step through its doors is to understand that its true strength lies not in its recently refurbished Bar, its Concert Room or its other impressive facilities, but in its people.
It is a place where generations seamlessly blend, where the past is honoured, the present is celebrated, and the future is carefully nurtured. From the outside, the club's proudest symbol is immediately visible: the solemn War Memorial that stands guard at its front.
This is not a separate entity but an intrinsic part of the club's identity. It is here that the village gathers en masse each November for a profoundly moving Remembrance Day service, a poignant annual event that underscores the club's founding principles of camaraderie, sacrifice and respect.
Yet, this reverence for history is perfectly balanced by a vibrant, forward-looking energy.
The club is a hive of activity seven days a week, a testament to its role as home-from-home for its members. "We're not just a club – we're an integral part of the community," explains President Eddie Pagett.
"We have something for everyone, from our oldest members who have been coming in here for many decades, to young families enjoying a Sunday lunch or a drink or two, to those who want to play pool, snooker or darts or watch the match on Sky Sports or TNT Sports on one of our screens.
"Having a family-orientated atmosphere is something we actively aim to promote and you can see several generations of the same family coming through our doors on a regular basis."
This intergenerational spirit is the club's lifeblood and perhaps no one embodies this bridge between the club's heritage and its future better than Secretary Nathan Clarke.
At just 26 years old, Nathan's connection to the club is lifelong.
"I've been coming here since I was born," he says. "My family have always been members. "I've got fond memories as a kid, even going up on stage on Saturday nights to introduce the acts. This place is in my blood and now my own children love coming in here."
Nathan's deep-rooted, grassroots experience now informs a wider perspective, as he also serves on the National Executive Committee of the CIU representing Leicestershire.
"What we do here in Groby, that sense of community and practicality, is exactly what the movement is about nationally," he says.
"It's a privilege to represent that."
The club's offering is meticulously curated to appeal to this broad demographic.
The weekends are a particular highlight. Live entertainment in the well-equipped Concert Room draws big crowds, offering everything from tribute bands to comedians to discos.
A recent and hugely popular innovation has been the introduction of a 'Sticky 13' Bingo session, run by Committee Member Lisa Lovell, on Saturday nights before the main act.
"It gets people into the Concert Room early, breaks the ice, and gets everyone into the party spirit," says Vice-President Tim Russell.
"It's those little ideas – and a willingness to try new things – that make a big difference."
Each Saturday night also sees Committee Member Sue Pagett selling a card for the club's Project Fund, a vital source of revenue for the club's ongoing improvement initiatives.
Meanwhile, the franchised kitchen is a major draw, serving breakfasts and meals on Saturdays and a famously busy Carvery on Sundays with upwards of 100 covers served throughout the day.
"The food offering is crucial," states Assistant Secretary Alison Whitmore. "It brings people in who might not normally visit a social club. Once they're through the door, they see the friendly faces, the great facilities, and want to join the club."
Members can enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar in a variety of settings: in the refurbished Main Bar, in the 80-capacity function room – the Carling Suite – or, when the sun is shining, on the brand-new Terrace at the front of the club.
This recent addition, which was only completed in August, has proven incredibly popular, allowing members to enjoy a drink in the fresh air while watching the world go by on the village street.
"We're delighted with the new Terrace," says Eddie. "Like any project we undertake, it's about quality – building something which will last.
"Through sheer hard work behind the scenes, we are in the fortunate position of having a very good bank balance so when we decide to do something, we do it properly, using local contractors – often members of the club – to carry out the work.
"But we look at things like the new outside area as an investment in the club and we believe that it will give us a return on the money spent with new members joining and existing members visiting more often to enjoy a drink on the terrace."
For those seeking a different kind of activity, the club has two newly refurbished rooms upstairs: one housing two pool tables and a darts board and another with two full-size snooker tables.
"Again, the pool and snooker rooms have paid for themselves several times over already with a number of new members joining once they have seen the improved sporting facilities on offer," explains Eddie.
"We have teams at various levels competing in darts, pool and snooker several evenings a week and that's very important for trade. In fact, we are in the process of building a new trophy cabinet to accommodate all the silverware won by our teams."
There are also three gambling machines in the Bar supplied by CIU Preferred Supplier Dransfields, providing a valuable income stream.
The smooth running and continual evolution of the club are thanks to a dedicated and highly effective Committee, led by its four officers. What makes this team special is the diverse set of skills and a culture of constructive debate they bring to the table.
"We're not afraid to disagree," says Eddie. "We have passionate debates about the best way forward for the club. But we are always willing to listen, compromise, and ultimately make a decision for the good of the membership.
"Everyone on the committee brings something different – ideas, skills, perspectives. That's what makes it work."
This practical skillset is a huge asset. Eddie is a trained joiner, a skill that proved invaluable during a recent refurbishment of the main bar. He and his son, also a joiner, undertook much of the work themselves, saving the club significant money while ensuring a finish of the highest quality.
This ethos of self-reliance is common; the club frequently draws on the many tradespeople within its membership for various projects.
Eddie also pays tribute to the club's staff with Steward Wendie Davies and Assistant Steward Carla Crane running a highly efficient bar operation serving a range of quality, yet competitively priced drinks, as well as offering an invariably warm welcome to members and guests.
Indeed, Carla has just reached a milestone in her time at the club and appreciative members will be recognising her 20 years of service to the club in September.
Continued prudent financial management, coupled with a constant drive to improve, has left the club in an enviable position but the club is always open to fundraising for charitable causes.
"We do a lot for various charities," says Tim. "The LOROS Hospice is one of our main beneficiaries but we will also run events for other organisations throughout the year or give them the use of the Carling Suite or Concert Room for meetings and events.
"We have also forged strong links with the youth section of Groby FC and they have held awards nights and events here."
In an era where local venues often see each other as rivals, Groby Ex-Servicemen's Club enjoys a wonderfully collaborative relationship with the local pub, the Stamford Arms, just a few minutes' walk away.
The two licensed premises coordinate activities, support each other's events, and ensure they are complementary rather than competitive.
This partnership strengthens the village's social scene immeasurably, offering residents more choice and ensuring both venues can thrive side-by-side.
\Ultimately, the story of Groby Ex-Servicemen's Club is one of custodianship. The current committee views its role not as ownership, but as stewardship of a beloved community asset.
They are deeply aware of the legacy they have inherited and are committed to preserving and enhancing it for those who will follow.
"We are only the current custodians of this club," says Eddie. "Our job is to keep steering the club forward and ensure it remains financially healthy and relevant.
"One day, we will hand it over to the next generation of committee members. "We want to give them a club that is even stronger and more vibrant than the one we were given."
It is this forward-looking vision, rooted in timeless values of community, family, and respect, that ensures the Groby Ex-Servicemen's Club is far more than just a building. It is the beating heart of the village, a home away from home, and a testament to the power of people coming together.
As Nathan Clarke succinctly puts it: "This club has given so much to me, and now I'm proud to be able to give something back.
"That's what it's all about. Ensuring this place is here, and thriving, for everyone who walks through the door."
