The Sulgrave Centenary was held at the club premises in Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush on Friday, 26th June 2026.
I was so pleased to be able to attend the event because back in the day when I was a club member (1962-1968) it meant so much to my childhood and youth. A very important facet of my life indeed.
Great sports to play, football, cricket, darts, snooker, table tennis et al, and holidays in Spain and Switzerland. Not only that I lived opposite in Ashchurch Park Villas, just two minutes walk away.
I did attend the Diamond Jubilee re-union event in 1986 and as there were only three people present back then. This time I was not expecting to know anybody at all, but to my surprise and delight Barry Kenyon of the Sulgrave table tennis squad of 1966 put in an appearance. We had a good chat about old times and nostalgia ruled for a while.
For the event itself, the premises were laid out in museum style format, except for the upstairs gym, which was not used.
In small groups, we were shown round for a tour of the premises, and various trustees and members such as Sarah Grant, John Wilson and Angela Clarke, gave lectures on aspects of the club’s history.
The Sulgrave manager, Nick Sazedes also spoke along with photo-journalist hub organiser Cinzia D’Ambrosi.
The Mayor of Hammersmith was also amongst the multitude, and she too said a few kind words about ‘community’.
Caroline Needham, a trustee, wrote a great article about the importance of Youth clubs. Jack Lyons (Irish Jack) got a special mention of thanks for his contribution to the event.
I was impressed by the room dedicated mainly to former notable members from by-gone days.
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey featured in detail, and there was much correspondence and photos relating to both, in addition to a video from Roger himself.
Jack Lyons (Irish Jack) also had a “spread” and there was a notable article and pic about him pinned up on the wall of the room in question.
There was such an abundance of information to observe and take in that it was impossible to write it all down in just this one article.
The volunteers and current club members were superb, and they looked after all the guests with copious refreshments. Great food and drink on offer.
Well done to all at the Sulgrave Club and here’s to the next 100 years.
Pity I won’t be around to see it lol!
Bernard Lambert
About the images:
They both come from the comprehensive brochure compiled by Cinzia D’Ambrosi.
The top one is courtesy of John Wilson & the caption reads: ‘Prince Philip visited the Sulgrave Youth Club (then known as the Sulgrave Boys’ Club) on Goldhawk Road, W12, on April 26, 1961. Seated left, 14-year-old Alan Williams, member of the Club meeting the Prince during his visit to the Club.
Below that is a newspaper cutting that appeared in the West London Observer on July 14, 1966: headlined: ‘Sulgrave – Knock-Out Champions’, the article goes on to read: ‘The Sulgrave Senior & Junior table tennis teams of the London Federation Senior & Junior Knock-Out Cups for 1966, represented London in a challenge match with the Middlesex Association of Boys’ Clubs recently.
London won the senior match by six matches to three and the junior match by eight matches to one.
Back row: Barry Kenyon, Peter Bunker, Gordon Jackman, Stuart Cox (coach).
Front row: Juniors, Clive Edwards, Philip Fleet, Bernard Lambert.’