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Bream Institute c. 1988

image: Bream Institute under construction  (101k)

This photo taken by Bryan shows the work carried out on "The Institute" (Bream Cricket Club) between 1988 and 1989 (3). The "tin" (corrugated iron) building, over which the current building was constructed, was put up between July 1908 and January 1909. A 2-storey stone building was first planned with a Billiard Room with 2 tables, a Reading Room and a Games Room on the lower floor and a Lecture Room/Concert Hall on the upper floor. However, the costs exceeded the amount of money available, so the "temporary" corrugated iron building was erected. (1).
The following is an extract from the Dean Forest Guardian report of the 4th A.G.M. of January 1909: "The cost of the new building had been £165 including stoves and additional installation. It was decided to ask Mr Beaumont Thomas to act as president this year. The Vicar [Rev. G W Cass] was re-elected Hon. Secretary and Mr W Brown was re-elected Hon. Treasurer".
The Institute itself was founded around September 1904 and used a building adjoining Forest View. (2).
The Snooker Room was built in 1981 and the Beer Cellar was converted into Changing Rooms in October 1990 (3).

John Pitcher added (January 2024): "... With all respect to Brian the dates are a little out My wife Jeanette took over as stewardess in 1986 and my mother and father celebrated their 50th anniversary in the function room in December 1988 the first time the room was used" ... "... when Jeanette started as stewardess it was the original building. The framework went up shortly after she started".

(1) Dean Forest Guardian 15-1-1909 and : G.R.O. D 9096 F3/1039.
(2) Forest Guardian 15-1-1909 and comments on the back of a photo of Bream Junior Institute Rugby Team.
(3) Mike Walby - Bream Sports Club Secretary (Sep 2006).

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