Features
Parkhill Social - the small & friendly club in the country
An innovative local working men's club; the very small and friendly Parkhill Social at Firbeck (known locally as
Firbeck Club) has shown a good deal of initiative by commissioning it's own website.
A working men's club with it's very own website - not exactly a first but very much among the forerunners.
The developing site
www.firbeck.clubbers.net gives the routine but essential detail about opening times and has a section covering club activities which, through the wonders of CMS, is updated directly by Rob the club steward. Additionally there is a section covering the history of the club and some of the legends of Firbeck village.
Hopefully the site will be successful in bringing the club more success and allow it to remain at the centre of the village community.
The Club
The building occupied by Parkhill Club was originally the village school and research suggests that it was built in the early 1800's supported by the occupants of the nearby Firbeck Hall.
School records and censuses tell how there were frequent visits by local dignitaries such as members of the St Leger family (of horse race fame) and how most of the written work relied upon using slates rather than paper. (Paper was an extremely expensive commodity at that time).
It seems that the school had big problems with poor attendance mainly because the youngsters were needed to help with farm work and with 'beating' for shoots. Another frequent problem was the youngster's behaviour with school records mentioning quite a few incidents where children had been punished, including throwing stones at the vicar.
In April 1938 the school closed with just 14 children on the roll. The last headmistress, Miss. Goss, was a motorbike enthusiast. After the school closed the building was taken over by Firbeck Hall and used as a social club for staff from their country club. A few years later, in 1938, the club was renamed Park Hill Social Club.
Over the years the club, which has been the host of many local characters, has followed the traditions of the club movement in providing an enjoyable environment for those from the local community and beyond to relax and socialise. The club continues to provide this service in a friendly, family orientated way and hopes to carry on providing the service for many years to come.
Club facilities include a games room with pool table and darts. There is a central lounge with a small stage and dance area together with a comfortable snug. The club has facilities for disabled visitors. As well as providing a good range of competitively priced beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks the club also provides freshly brewed tea and coffee.
