History of the Whitchurch Folk House Association and the Whitchurch Folk House Social Club.
The Whitchurch Folk House began as an association which was first formed in 1977. The residents of Whitchurch secured a lease from Bristol City Council for the Bridge Farm House building, which is over 200 years old and is grade II listed.
Groups of members got together on a weekly basis, attending various organised activities such as art classes, pottery, local history, wine-making and gardening. These activities raised some funds to support the cost of running the building.
Before long members decided that it would be a good idea to set up a social section within the Association for members to get together after their classes. The idea was that members would be able to discuss and organise various events along with the a glass of beer or two!
There was also another advantage of having a social element to the Association, specifically an opportunity to raise additional revenue to support the Association and to offset some of the annual costs incurred.
A bar area was soon built in what is now call the “Pool Room”. A bar committee was set up to manage the bar and arrange for the purchase of drinks. The bar was staffed by members who gave up their evening on a voluntary basis on the evenings and lunch times on weekends.
After some time the building was extended leading to the building of a new bar area. Bar staff were employed and the Social Club became a business in its own right.
As of today the Social Club and Association continue to provide a place for members of the local community to enjoy a drink and socialise with friends and family. The Whitchurch Folk House is a popular choice for families with children, who are welcome at all times.