The Club in Wareham - a great revitalised local venue in the South Street
Chairman oversees new changes at The Club in Wareham
Following the appointment of Matt Kilcoyne as Chairman, the club has undergone significant changes aimed at revitalising both the venue and the community spirit that makes the club such an important part of Wareham.
One of the first major steps was strengthening the team behind the bar. In May 2025, we were fortunate to welcome Dwain Musslewhite, formerly of The Duke in Wareham, as our new Bar Manager. Dwain has brought fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and experience that have already made a real impact.
Since then, we have worked hard to modernise and improve almost every aspect of the club. We partnered with St Austell Brewery, upgraded the tills, installed a new jukebox, and made a number of improvements designed to create a better experience for members and visitors alike.
Renovations to interior
The transformation inside the club has been extensive. Recent renovations include repainting throughout, the installation of acoustic panels, two new televisions, and new seating. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the committee, we have also created a dedicated upstairs darts room, giving members even more reasons to enjoy the facilities.
Plans to preserve historic Wareham building
The club is continuing to go from strength to strength, with growing support from members and the local community. However, our focus must now turn to the exterior of the building itself. Built in 1823, the historic building is beginning to show its age and requires significant investment to preserve it for future generations.
After an unsuccessful grant application due to the club being considered politically affiliated, we are now in the process of establishing a heritage charity dedicated solely to the restoration and preservation of this important local building.
Love to welcome new members!
We are now looking to the future and would love to welcome new members to be part of the club’s journey. We are also seeking donations and support towards the renovation project to help protect and improve this historic building for years to come.
Whether you are looking for a friendly social club, live entertainment, darts, community events, or simply somewhere welcoming to enjoy a drink, there has never been a better time to join The Club – Wareham.
A passion for community spirit
Matt Kilcoyne became Chairman of The Club – Wareham in 2025. After serving 25 years in the military as a military musician, Matt settled in Dorset five years ago and made Wareham his home. Alongside his full-time role working for Babcock in Bovington, he has taken on the position of Chairman on a completely voluntary and unpaid basis, driven by a passion for community spirit and preserving an important part of Wareham’s history.
Currently it’s run by a committee. The staff are Dwain, Taylor, Erin, and Angel on the bar. The kitchen is Suzy and Molly, with Toby doing Sunday roasts.
