Folland
Established in 1936
After a brief difficult period as British Marine Aircraft the company’s fortunes took a turn for the better when Henry Folland arrived in 1937 and focused the business on making parts for aircraft. As a specialist in airframes it produced much of the Spitfire as well as parts for Mosquitos and Wellingtons. A company that played a substantial part in winning WW2. During and after the war it produced its own aircraft including the very successful Gnat that you pass to reach the club.
The sports and social club has existed since the early days of the company in various forms and must have provided brief but much needed relaxation for the thousands of Folland workers during those difficult times.
Since then the aircraft component factory has had an interesting commercial history being associated with many of the great names in aircraft manufacturing.
The social club has had a more relaxed passage through time and always provided a bar and social activities for its members. Devotion by many members over the years has produced a first rate bowling green in a splendidly calm enclosure. Adjacent to that is a dedicated football ground. Around the club there is acres of green space with a football field for training and an excellent cricket pitch that recently drew praise from Sports England.
Many members of the club take part or take an interest in these pursuits. But inside the main clubhouse are two excellent bars and a well kept cellar and many members find this a great place to be.
Sitting outside on a summer’s day it’s hard to think of a better place to be in Hamble.
We look forward to meeting you