Welcome to the New Astley Club

For Stable and Stud Staff - Supporting Providing Caring in Newmarket since 1893

Fred Archer Way, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8NT TEl: 01638 662828 Fax: 01638 561850

OUR HISTORY

Sir John Astley, Bart, M.P.

The original Astley Institute was built on donated land with funds raised by Sir John Astley, Bart, M.P., and first opened its doors in February 1893. It was officially opened in July of the same year by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and Trainers were said to be very happy with it, because it kept the lads out of the public houses and therefore lessened the chances of information being gleaned from them by touts!

For well over half a century the Institute served employees in the industry, but as times changed and attitudes with them, it became less appealing to the workforce, and in the late fifties went into decline. By 1967 the building, situated opposite the Police Station in Lisburn Road, was in a run-down condition and in urgent need of repair. Estimates were considered and involved such substantial sums that it was decided to build anew.

The old Astley building in Lisburn road

Recognizing that a large group of young people, many of whom were not only starting work, but in addition living away from home for the first time had special needs, The Suffolk Youth Service became involved giving advice and seconding a full time worker to manage the Club during its opening years. Forest Heath D.C. were also supportive and leased land close to the town centre for a peppercorn rent.

The runaway inflation of the early 1970s made the fundraisers" task very difficult but nevertheless the Club opened on 1st September 1975, boasting excellent facilities: clubroom, cafe, lounge, snooker room, sports hall along with first class changing and shower areas. Like the old Institute, the Club was to continue its caring role, encourage recreational activity and to prove a popular meeting place for stable and stud staff in the Newmarket area. However, the New Astley embodied significant changes and was no longer just a boys" club. The premises were licensed and the adoption of a broader community role enabled local residents not employed in racing to benefit from its facilities.

Her Majesty The Queen at the Astley Centenary

The Trustees, ever anxious to enhance amenities and service for its users has over the years added the launderette, squash court, extra lounge facilities, access to internet, fax and copy machines. But more significantly increased its staff so that the caring and welfare aspect of its role can develop.

The Astley works closely with other racing charities, particularly Racing Welfare, The Injured Jockeys Fund and the British Racing School.

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