Much-loved Shepherds Bush club is now asking for memories and photographs from past members
As the Sulgrave Youth Club in Shepherds Bush approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, it is inviting current and former members, as well as local residents, to participate in a special project to capture the rich history of the club.
The initiative, aimed at collecting memories and memorabilia, will help preserve the legacy of a beloved community institution that has been offering support and activities for young people for nearly a century. A launch event for the project is scheduled for March 12, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration culminating in a grand centenary event in June 2026.
Founded in 1926 by a group of City of London brokers, Sulgrave Youth Club was originally created to provide a safe and engaging space for boys and young men in the local community. The club quickly gained popularity, and by 1936, it had moved into its current location at 287 Goldhawk Road.
This new home featured a spacious event hall and a gym, which allowed the club to expand its offerings and accommodate a growing number of members. Today, the club continues to serve young people from all backgrounds, providing after-school gatherings, evening youth clubs, school holiday activities, and outings.
At the heart of the club’s continued success is Nick Sazeides, the current club manager, who leads a team of dedicated staff in organizing a variety of programs that promote personal development, physical activity, and social engagement. Under his leadership, the club has become a cherished resource for the local community, supported financially by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
To help mark the upcoming centenary, the club has enlisted award-winning photojournalist Cinzia D’Ambrosi to spearhead an oral history project. The project’s goal is to gather personal stories and recollections from past and present members, as well as collect archival images that showcase the club’s impact on the lives of young people over the years. According to D’Ambrosi, the project is an opportunity to not only celebrate the club’s rich history but also to honor its ongoing commitment to supporting youth in the community.
“This is a symbolic moment to reflect on the renewal of the club’s mission—to provide a creative, ambitious, and inspiring space where young people can find solace, nourishment, learning, and improved outcomes for their lives,” D’Ambrosi said. “We are collecting memorabilia and stories that will help us paint a picture of the club’s early years and its ongoing work with young people.”
The club is calling on the community to dig through old attic boxes, check photo albums, and revisit diaries and notebooks to see if they have anything to contribute to the centenary celebration. The collection will be used to create a special exhibition showcasing the history of the club and its members, and to establish a permanent archive for future generations to enjoy.
“We’d love to hear from former members of the Sulgrave,” D’Ambrosi added. “Many of them have gone on to run successful local businesses, and we know they have valuable memories and memorabilia that will help us celebrate this milestone.”
In addition to these regular clubs, the Sulgrave offers a variety of educational and recreational activities. Over 800 young people participate in programs that include gym sessions, healthy cookery classes, and training in important life skills such as relationship building, body image awareness, and drug education. The club also offers accredited courses in areas like first aid and food hygiene, ensuring that its members gain valuable skills that can benefit them in their personal and professional lives.
The ongoing support from Hammersmith & Fulham Council has been instrumental in allowing the club to continue offering these programs and expanding its reach. The club’s impact on the community is evident in the many young people who have benefited from its activities over the years, and in the number of former members who have gone on to become successful members of society.
As the Sulgrave Youth Club looks toward its centenary, it remains an essential part of the local landscape, providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can grow, learn, and thrive. The centenary project offers a chance for the community to reflect on the club’s long history and to contribute to its future. Whether through sharing memories, donating memorabilia, or participating in events, everyone is encouraged to take part in celebrating this incredible milestone.
Those with stories, photos, or items to share are encouraged to get in touch with the club by emailing centenary@thesulgraveclub.org.uk.
