MEMBERS O N LY
The Bath and County Club is one of two remaining once gentlemenonly social establishments from 18th-century Bath
B
ath’s private members’ circuit has come a long way since the days of the stuffy gentleman’s club. An explosion of more accessible groups have seriously shaken things up in recent years. So, whether you are looking for a wellbeing sanctuary, to indulge in the world of fine wine, be on the guest list for black-tie dinners, or are just looking for a sense of belonging and to meet people with the same interests as you, come with us as we step into a diverse handful of membersonly clubs in and around Bath...
Keeping with tradition
The two remaining once gentlemen-only social establishments from 18th-century Bath are the Harington Club in Harington Place, and the Bath and County Club on Queen’s Parade. “Founded in 1858, it is the oldest private members’ club in the area,” says Nancy WiseGarrett, the vice president of the Bath and County Club. “It was initially formed to give a welcome to service men back after serving abroad, and it grew to become a favourite haunt.” The club, still retains its smart dress code – a tie and jacket are to be worn at lunches and dinners – but now, there are no limits on who can be accepted – barring those with a criminal record – and it’s now less about exclusivity and much more about inclusivity. “It was the earliest gentlemen’s club to admit women as full members, and such is the equality of the membership that they elected a female as chairwoman some years ago,” says Nancy. “I think what draws people to the Bath and County Club is companionship with like-minded people who enjoy gossip and a laugh in agreeable and relaxed surrounding. There are regular opportunities to enjoy club activities and events as well as share a meal with friends and to entertain others. There is an advantage in joining an organisation where you know people will share your taste and style.” So what can you expect to encounter behind closed doors here? Everything from winetasting events, film nights and book launches, to black-tie evenings, garden parties, an open bar
and catering at all hours. Memberships here do cost a pretty penny, but you can sign up for a trial for six months which will allow you reciprocal membership for over 200 clubs around the world – from India to Australia to America to London. When it comes to the Harington Club, which formally started in 1874, there have been drastic changes over the years, particularly with the number and type of members. In 1902 there were 1380 members, today there are just 150. “Ladies were first allowed on weekends only, from 1985, and as full members from 2016,” says Andrew Squires, the club treasurer. “There are now no conditions to becoming a member, whereas, before, nominated members’ names were displayed in the club for all to see and blackballed if necessary. There were much stricter conditions between the wars, and all nominated members were vetted.”
Don’t hate the player
IT WAS THE
EARLIEST GENTLEMEN’S CLUB TO ADMIT WOMEN AS FULL MEMBERS
When it comes to private golf clubs in Bath, there has been much debate and research about what makes them so appealing. The overwhelming evidence, according to Gareth Morgan, the general manager at Kingsdown Golf Club in Corsham, is that being a member of a ‘tribe’ has, time and time again, shown up as more important to golf club members than factors such as fast greens or the quality of clubhouse. “The sense of belonging to a group is an explanation as to why some groups of members stay in one club for such long periods of time,” he says, referring to Kingsdown which opened in 1880 and is the second oldest golf club in the South West with over 600 members. “This truly is a golfer’s club. “There are several golf clubs where obviously the game is a part of the membership, but there is a big focus on social events and wedding hire too. Here, the focus is the golf course – which has been our major triumph recently with the introduction of a driving range, academy course and a world-class short game practice facility.” w
The secluded spa garden at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65