Men’s club opens door to ‘Lady Members’ after 172 years

Monday 02 November 2020

A gentlemen’s club sitting in the heart of the Royal Square has finally decided to let women join after more than 170 years.

In a close vote last week, United Club Jersey members approved the momentous motion with 99 in favour and 84 against.

The club, which describes itself as “a tranquil retreat for gentlemen and their guests”, was founded in 1848. However, it’s believed that seafarers used the current Royal Square base long before then.

The building was once a Corn Exchange overlooking the 19^th century market and served as a townhouse before it was officially taken over by the United Club for the sum of £4,000 in 1932.

Pictured: Records state the United Club was founded in 1848.

The historic vote to allow women to join the exclusive club up was held in the Long Room, a luncheon space that opens onto the iconic Royal Square balcony, on Thursday night.

The motion read: “The Club permits Ladies to join as Members, using the same system and subscription fees as for Gentlemen (i.e. Resident, Senior, Overseas), and permits Ladies to be invited to the Club as guests at any time of the day.”

In total, 191 members took part, though four ballots were spoiled, while another four were cast by non-residents, who are not permitted to vote at AGMs.

The meeting also saw the United Club remove its own “rule of six.”

As such, Jersey resident guests will now be allowed to visit more than six times in any one year, with no limit after the hours of 16:00. However, anyone visiting during the daytime more than six days a year will be expected to join as a member.