Lavenham Royal British Legion celebrates 100 years at the heart of village life
The Royal British Legion club in Lavenham is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year - and it's still as strong as ever.
Formed in 1922 as a club for World War One servicemen, it now welcomes anybody, and considers itself a vital part of village social life.
The building that now houses the club was built in 1928 on Lavenham's High Street.
The club's manager Richard Howe described it as 'something for ordinary people'.
He said: "Lavenham can be quite affluent, and so there needs to be a space for everyone from any background to have a good time, sit at the bar, play some games or chat with friends."
Inside the club there is a stocked bar, snooker and pool tables, dart boards and large TVs that show sports events.
Mr Howe, 69, has been involved with the club since he was 18.
The building has a Roll of Honour board with the names of servicemen from the local area, including Mr Howe's father and grandfather.
There is also a memorial, garden and a plaque to commemorate Jonathan Woodgate, who was killed in Afghanistan.
It also holds annual service on Remembrance Sunday, which often brings in military personnel from Wattisham and Lakenheath.
However, the club has had to adapt over the years.
Richard stressed the importance of such clubs for young people in the area to allow them to access facilities not available anywhere else in the village.
They host charity events for the Royal British Legion, have functions, live music, bingo nights, quizzes, fun nights and horse racing events.
He wants residents to know that the Lavenham social club is eager for new people to pay a visit.
He said: "It's a club, not a pub, so people can do more or less what they want.
"Lavenham doesn't have a lot going on, and we want people to know the club is here - we want the social factor."
Richard added: "Guests are welcome to go to the club for a day to see if they like the atmosphere, and then decide if they'd like to join.
"If even a few more people are aware of the club, it means we're doing our service as a social space."
