Reminiscences of County Club

Campbell Jackson

Life Member of Hastings County Club.

Campbell’s grandfather, Frederick (died 1927), was a foundation member; his father, Harry, suggested that Campbell join in 1960, at age 25.

Servants at the County Club were all dressed in dark suits and bow ties. There were 2 or 3 manservants.

Whisky shot was in small silver cup on tray with glass and serviette.

Reading Room (to right of foyer) had daily papers on big table.

The older gentlemen preferred billiards, the younger men snooker.

Jackson B Grade Snooker Cup – Campbell Jackson’s father donated this to the County Club, & Campbell Jackson was the last winner by a whisker.
His father was in hospital at the time & Campbell Jackson took it to show him on his deathbed.

Campbell ran a round-robin for snooker tournaments. The County Club played against Taradale Club, RSA, Cossie Club and the Napier RSA in the 1980s.

Peter Grieve donated the macrocarpa u-shaped bar in the lounge from a tree on his property at Whakapiro. His father was Doug Grieve, stock agent.

In 2013 only 3 of the people named on the Honours Board are still alive, including Campbell Jackson.

One member kept the Club afloat for years – maybe up to $20k per year.

Believed the County Club finally closed because of bad investments, poor membership, too high fees, members taking advantage of cheap bar prices.
Finally closed in 3 June 2011.

Trophies sold at auction in October 2011 may have gone to the Havelock Club for display there.
Several old County Club members now play snooker there weekly.

No wives were allowed in the Club until about the 1990s.

In 1999 Campbell’s wife, Dale, was invited to a dinner with along with other wives. A smorgasbord meal was set out on top of 3 billiard tables.

Dale, née McKenzie, remembers going to the County Club to meet her father AJW McKenzie (Alan) & waiting in the Visitors’ Room.
As a 13 year old, she rang the doorbell & had to wait outside till a servant found her father.