Rye Club started as Rye Literary Institute which was formed in 1867. They constructed their own premises in Market Road in 1900 as a library and reading room. The Institute provide a venue for residents to enjoy the peace and tranquillity to read a selection of books and newspapers. It became a members’ club after the first world war with a licensed bar, club meeting room and lounge on the ground floor and two snooker tables on the first floor.
In the early years its membership comprised local businessmen, farmers as well as a cross-section of the community. It fielded some the best dart teams and snooker teams in Rye, winning many of the leagues and competitions.
Up to when the pandemic and lock down closed the club, it was an active club with snooker teams and crib teams and groups holding meetings and craft fairs.
With the closure of the last members’ club in Rye, it was put up for sale in need of general renovation and modernisation.
Rye Club was where the founders of Rye News had one of their very first meetings. What’s your story of the Club? What did you to there and who were you with? Comment below or email info@ryenews.org.uk.
Image Credits: Rye News Library .
Can someone tell me please, who now owns the building and what will it’s future use be?
I remember running a joint Rye British Legion and Royal Air Force Association (which had sadly just wound up) social group from 2014-16 in the Club, we had some very interesting talks enabling some of Rye’s senior veterans to keep in touch and enjoy some banter and good company. We were alway made to feel very welcome!
I am rather sad it has closed as a club but realised it needed a lot of work as the ceiling tiles kept falling when I played snooker there once a week with a friend. We loved it, sometimes having the place to ourselves and other time’s league players using the second table.
I miss playing which is partly due that my friend got ill and more or less at the same time it closed.
What was sad is that the new owner offered the tables free to anyone and there were no takers.
Who has purchased the property and will it be a commercial building or a residential one ? Such a shame that this club has closed !