Barkway Social Club is a long established village organisation and is situated in a wooden hut at the north end of the village, next to the village hall. It was erected in the 1920s for the girl guides. At that time the land was owned by the Newsells estate. The cost of erecting the hut was recovered by public subscription, although the hut was owned by the estate. Soon after the war the Social Club was started, with a £10 per annum hire charge paid to the guides, and a peppercorn rent to Newsells. Two men very involved with the project at this time were Mr Wynyard, and Mr Williams, brother of the then headmaster. They apparently relied heavily on the estate for help. The club was an ideal place to socialise in those days, as women felt discouraged from visiting pubs. Following the death of Sir Humphrey de Trafford in 1977, the estate was put up for sale. At this time many of the assets of the estate were sold off. The social club bought the hut and land surrounding. Clem Dale who was secretary for the estate, and a member of the club was a key person in negotiating the long drawn out purchase. (Clem Dale’s whist drives are still remembered by older members.) At the time of the purchase, Ted Hammond (chairman), Janet Muncey (secretary ), and Geoff Whitby (treasurer) were the club trustees.

The club constitution states as its purpose :-

To provide recreation and social facilities for men and women (minimum age 16 years) of the village and district. Children under 16 to be admitted if accompanied by a member.

The club is run by its committee, and facilities include a full size snooker table, pool table, darts, cards, and dominoes, and a well stocked bar. It is normally open between 8 and 11 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.

Membership paid annually, is £6 per person , and £10 per couple.

The club has supported the introduction of a junior youth club (8 – 14) which meets in the club on Tuesday evenings.

Current membership stands at around 50, and new members are always welcome.

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