Hopeville Social Club: you'll feel at home with us

Whether you're here for a lunchtime special or an evening drink with friends, visiting us is always a great experience. Drop by to relax and sample our diverse range of drinks, promotions and events: they all help to make Hopeville Social Club different. And, of course, our friendly service comes at no extra charge.

All the team at Hopeville Social Club look forward to seeing you!

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Find out more about our friendly team and the great experiences enjoyed by our customers.

HOPEVILLE HISTORY

Hopeville House was built in 1904 and sits in large grounds on Harlaw Road. It was originally the home of the Manager of the British Railways Locomotive Works, which were located just across the road from the site. Many of the old buildings have been demolished to make room for shops and flats, but some are still visible, although they are currently under conversion.

The house was loaned to the Railway Staff Association Members to be used as a Social Club. For many years it was referred to as "The Railway Club". As the Railway Staff Association Members moved away from Inverurie to find work, the club membership dwindled. To keep the club viable, it was decided to invite applications from members of the community to join.

After a few years the Railway Board saw that the Club was growing, and as it was being well run, they decided to sell the property at a good price to the members.

After a 2 year transitional period from 1st January 1970 to 1st January 1972 to change the name from Inverurie Railway Club to Hopeville Social Club, the club officially came into being on 1st January 1972. Since then the Club has only continued to grow.

A new main bar  with seating for up to 150 people, and a 150 seat function hall were built on the side of the house. The  original upstairs hall is still used for functions of up to 90 guests, with the Quiet Lounge catering for 60 people; the original public bar is now a 32 seat dining room.

A few years ago, the Upstairs Hall was renamed "The Littlejohn Lounge" in memory of the late Willie and Ivy Littlejohn. Willie was Secretary of the Club from 1977 until 2001 and was a mainstay in the development of the Club. In addition, a commemorative tree was planted in the grounds and is growing well.

A greenhouse once stood where the custom built Billiard Room (The Crucible) is now. Above the Crucible and the Kitchen is the original servant's quarters.

Numerous old photographs of the Loco Works, which have been beautifully framed by the Harlaw Centre, now adorn the walls of the main bar.

The Club is also host to several other organisations who hold their meetings here. These include - The Garioch Lions Club, the BMW Motorcycle Club, Garioch Vehicle Restoration Society and many, many others. The Club is thriving and now has more than 2,200 members. Thankfully they don't all turn up at the same time!

The Club is run by a Committee of Club Members comprising of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and 13 Committee Members. The Committee is re-elected at the Annual General Meeting in April each year and any Club Member is welcome to stand for election.

The day-to-day running of the Club is handled by the Club Steward, Linda Strachan, and Audrey Craib the Assistant Steward.

Above is a photo (which was kindly donated by Ian Denmark) of the original committee members of The Hopeville Social Club, named in order.

In the back row from left to right is:

John Diack, Bert Summers (Secretary), John Stronach (Hon. President), Ian Hosie (Vice Chairman), Forbes Skinner and William Hay (Building)

In the front row from left to right is: 

William Wright, William Sutherland (Entertainment), Albert Annand (Chairman), George Taylor (Treasurer), Ian Denmark (Sport) and John Sharpe.