The oldest active clubs in Sutton – going strong for 70 years or more

Countless chairpersons and leaders have kept these groups active, spanning several generations – and incredibly they’re still going strong today. Across the borough, organisations like these are the beating heart of our communities. This is their age as of 2025 – and all are over 70 years old.

So in reverse order, let’s go…

1952

Carshalton Camera club – 73 years old

Carshalton Camera Club was founded in November 1952, by Peter Stroud, a Band Corporal with 3rd The King’s Hussars. Peter had successfully established a photographic darkroom and camera club in his regiment at the direction of his Commanding Officer and upon finding there was no club in the Carshalton or Wallington area, he elicited help from friends and members of local camera clubs in South London to set up Carshalton Camera Club.

1950

Carshalton and Wallington Art Group – 75 years old

The first meeting of what was originally the Carshalton Art Group was held in April 1950. Six years later, Wallington was added to the name, and the Group held its meetings at Honeywood House, charging the then princely sum of 37 and a half pence for the annual subscription.

1946

Carshalton Choral Society – 79 years old

The Carshalton Choral Society was founded in April 1946 by local musician, Douglas West, initially as a choral society for young people between the ages of 18 and 30. The age limit was subsequently abolished.

1941

350 Squadron – 84 years old

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) is a volunteer-military youth organisation. The 350 (Carshalton and Wallington) Squadron ATC  focuses on “respect, integrity, discipline, teamwork and leadership. All skills necessary to thrive in our highly competitive world.”

1928

Carshalton bowling club – 97 years old

In 1928 Major C.P. Lovelock was elected as the first President of Carshalton Bowling Club. He retired through ill health in January 1929 and was replaced by E.C. Slade-Jones who remained in office for many years – and had his name on the board. Read our full story about the history of the club

1928

Sutton Music Festival – 97 years old

The Festival began in February 1928, when Mr. Frank Dewey chaired the first Committee meeting in his Music Shop in Grove Road Sutton – now the home of Morrisons in the one-way system. It soon gained the recognition of the British Federation of Music Festivals (as it was then known) and has operated every year since, apart from a five-year lapse during World War 2.

1924

Carshalton Motor Cycle Club – 101 years old

[NEW] A local enthusiasts group still going strong after over 100 years. There was a wave of motor cycle clubs created in the UK and USA in the 1920s, and the Carshalton club would often make the headlines in the press for its Pillion passenger events. The club met at pubs across Carshalton, and has a fascinating history.

1923

Sutton Rotary Club – 102 years old

“Rotary Clubs consist of members from different countries, cultures, and occupations and these leaders of society are taking action to enhance health, empower youth, promote peace, and advance their community, all round the world.” Sutton combined with Cheam in 2016 to become the Sutton and Cheam Rotary Club.

1922

The Lyric Players – 103 years old

An Amateur theatre group performing in Sutton & Epsom. The Lyric Players produce two musicals a year, with opportunities for members to perform onstage, backstage or as part of our creative team. From audition through to show week each production takes around six months to bring to the stage.

1920

Carshalton and District History and Archaeology Society (CADHAS) – 105 years old

The Carshalton and District History and Archaeology Society  began, in 1920, as “The Beddington, Carshalton & Wallington Archaeological Society”. The society was founded:  “…for the purpose of extending knowledge of local history; preserving objects of beauty and interest whether natural or structural; placing archaeological finds in safe keeping; visiting places of interest and providing instructive lectures”.

1912

Carshalton Lawn Tennis Club – 113 years old

On the 31st December 1911 Sir Crichton-Browne signed the deeds for the purchase of ten and a half acres of land from the Carshalton Park Estate. Sir Crichton-Browne was a doctor by profession and keen to promote outdoor games for young people. His wish was that part of the land should remain “open ground” and as a result in 1912 Carshalton Lawn Tennis Club was founded. It’s situated off Beeches Avenue in Carshalton Beeches.

1908

1st Wallington Scouts – 117 years old

The age of local Scout groups can be hotly debated, but it seems likely 1st Wallington, based in Ruskin Road, Carshalton is the oldest. Jeff Simmons told Secret Carshalton “I was a leader there. The old Group Scout Leader wrote a book about it.” The book was published in 2008 and called A Celebration of 100 years of the 1st Wallington Scout Group and the authors were Paul Perry and Jeff Gregory.

1905

Carshalton Athletic – 120 years old

Carshalton Athletic traces its roots to two separate teams playing in the area of Wrythe Green in Carshalton in the early twentieth century. These were Mill Lane Mission and Carshalton St Andrews church.

1902

Sutton Amateur Dramatic Group – 123 years old

Sutton Amateur Dramatic Club has roots going back to 1896, and are the longest-running amateur dramatics group in Greater London. Their latest production told the stories of people affected by the second-world war in Carshalton. More about the club on Secret Carshalton

1898

Sutton United Football Club – 127 years old

Sutton United was formed on 5 March 1898 when a meeting of two leading local clubs, Sutton Association and Sutton Guild Rovers, decided that they should join forces. The amber and chocolate colours of Sutton Association were retained, along with both clubs’ grounds, and the United club’s first game was against Norwood & Selhurst FC .

1863

Beddington Cricket Club – 162 years old

Beddington Cricket Club was founded in the beautiful and extensive surrounds of Beddington Park in 1863 by the Rector of Beddington, Canon Bridges. Beddington soon gained a reputation as one of leading clubs in Surrey and attracted the great players of the era such as Dr W.G.Grace and Jack Hobbs into playing there.

Please note: the majority of information here is sourced directly from each organisation, via their website. This isn’t an exhaustive list. What have we missed? Do you know of other active groups over 70 years old? We’d also love to see old programmes and photos relating to the above. If you have any please contact us or leave a comment below.

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