The Rev. Edward Burbridge. Author, Scholar & Founder of Backwell Village Club.

Backwell Village Club was founded on November 17th, 1877 as Backwell Reading Rooms for those men of the village who wished to read the comparatively expensive journals of the day. The Rev. Edward Burbidge, was appointed the first President and was formed with just 40 members; Queen Victoria had another 24 years of her glorious reign to complete; W. G. Grace led Gloucestershire to the county cricket championship for the second successive year, and there were still two postal deliveries a day in the village — even on Good Friday!

In 1903, a year which saw the return of several members from the Boer War, the President retired after 26 years in office and was succeeded by his successor as rector, the Rev. Edmund Caudwell, who by coincidence was also to hold that office for the next 26 years.

The club has always had a link with local charities and those in need of help. In 1927, following a profitable fruit & flower show in the field opposite (now housing), the proceeds of £51 7-10 was split between the Bristol hospitals and the Bristol City & Marine Ambulance Society. In 2024, members of the club raised in excess of £6,000 for ‘Freewheelers’ Blood bikes and Children’s Hospice Southwest and this important legacy continues.