Families are still at the centre of estate club after 35 years

Habberley Social Club, run by Habberley Estate Tenants Association, opened on August 20, 1970 and now has 850 members.

The club dates back to the mid-60s when residents spent several years fund raising through events including carnivals and a sports day, to purchase the premises located off Truro Drive.

Sylvia Black, 69, of Canterbury Road, who spent 20 years on the club's events committee, explained: "It was a very new estate and there was not much to do. Kids were not allowed in the pubs so the men went out and enjoyed themselves and the women stayed in with the kids."

Mrs Black, who is one of two original committee members still using the club, added: "The idea was to get a family club where everyone could go. I am very proud of the club. Since 1970 it has been a big part of my life."

She said her two children and five grandchildren have been "brought up in the club" and her four young great-grandchildren have also attended some of its events.

The club, which is open seven days a week, hosts a range of activities including pool, darts, skittles, bingo and five-a-side football as well as concerts, discos, Christmas parties and annual galas.

Mrs Black's daughter, Stella Addison, 48, who is the entertainment co-ordinator, said she believed the club's success was due to the variety of entertainment on offer, adding: "We do try and do something for each age group from the youngsters to the pensioners. It is very family orientated."

She explained that the club has pensioners' day once a week and a kids club for 10 to 16 year olds, which is run by the children themselves.

Mrs Black said members are keen to encourage children to get involved adding: "It teaches them the values of our club and they look forward to running the club when they are older.

"We will get the next committee and the next generation to run the club and that is what keeps us going. I think we will still be going strong in another 35 years."