15 Sports and Social Clubs in Fiji | Expat’s Guide

The Defence Club of Fiji

The Defence Club of Fiji was established as a gentleman’s club in 1915, prior to the outbreak of World War I. Fiji, as a colony of Britain, was not excluded from the conflict in Europe. For the colonists, the winds of war ushered in another era of uncertainty and opportunity. Based on a common desire to establish a place of loyalty to the crown as well as a leisurely pastime, the Defence Club first opened its doors to members who shared similar goals and interests.

The club’s constitution was founded on strong military principles and includes an ‘Oath of Allegiance,” which all new members agree to upon acceptance of their membership in the club. By joining the club, all new members agree, under oath, to a willingness to serve the King and Country in times of need. This oath of allegiance still applies to members of the club to this day. Under its 92-year-old constitution, the club is run by a club secretary and managed by a committee made up of members and two trustees.

The first president of the Defence Club was Sir E.B. Sweet-Escott. In the following 92 years of the club’s existence, other presidents included such notable personalities as Sir Len Usher in 1950, Sir Edward Cakobau in 1967, Mr. Joe Campbell in 1973, Rod Jepsen in 1990, and Leo Smith in 1995. Throughout World War I and WW2, club membership grew, as did its strong military presence, which was evident in its membership and which was to become the hallmark of the Defence Club. Often, visiting military personnel would present their unit plaques to the club as a mark of respect for the gentlemen of the Fiji Defence Club. These are now displayed above the main bar area. On the club’s premises, you’ll find relics of its military past. “

The Chandos Bar – the counter that served drinks and cocktails in a below-street bar in the Chandos Hotel, near Trafalgar Square in London, During World War 1, the bar became a regular meeting place for many Commonwealth troops on leave in London. It was particularly popular with the men from Fiji who served in France on attachment to the King’s Royal Rifles. Among the bar’s regular patrons, the custom arose of carving their names or initials on the counter with bayonets. The Chandos Bar was damaged by the wartime bombing of London. Following restoration work in 1950, the downstairs bar was remodelled, and the carved counter was placed in storage.

In the same year, World War II veterans and Defence Club presidents Les Lawlor and Len Usher visited the Chandos Hotel in London and inquired about its whereabouts and if it were possible to purchase the counter. The owners of the Chandos Bar and the brewing firm Truman Hanbury offered to polish the surface and ship the counter to Fiji, where it remains on permanent loan to the Defence Club.

Memorable Events – The Defence Club’s colourful past includes memorable events like the visit of Kingsford Smith during his epic and historic flight of the Southern Cross over the South Pacific in 1928. On June 25, 1956, the Defence Club made a presentation to the 1st Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment on the occasion of the presentation of new colours to the battalion, one of many functions reflecting the Club’s strong military background.

Range of Membership Options – Today, the Defence Club is frequented by businessmen and professionals, with the exception of a few respected politicians who have come to enjoy the club’s facilities over the years. Initially a gentlemen’s club, the DC now offers a range of membership options to its patrons, including women’s membership as associate members. The various categories of membership include ordinary (full membership), country, associate, corporate, and disciplinary forces, as well as the esteemed life membership, which has been bestowed on members who have shown considerable support to the club over the years, like Mr. Joe Campbell and Mr. Bill Sorby.

Club Etiquette and Social Events – Club etiquette requires a polite dress code, with no round-neck t-shirts or flip-flops allowed in the bar area. As part of the ongoing club functions, the ordinary member’s night is held on Wednesday nights, with a weekly raffle drawn on Friday nights.

Clubs Facilities – On weekends, the club supports an open house policy where members and guests alike are invited to take advantage of the club’s facilities. Clubhouse facilities include a 15-metre full-service bar, two squash courts, three full-size snooker tables, and a pool table. The Usher Lounge, equipped with Chandos Bar, is available for hire functions and social events such as the Annual Lawyers Quiz Night and Karaoke evenings. As well as in-house snooker events, the club hosts inter-club challenges for cricket trophies and an annual visit to and from the Royal Nuku’alofa Club in Tonga. The Defence Club boasts prestigious colonial-style premises conveniently located at 57 Gordon Street, in the heart of Fiji’s capital, Suva. One visit to DC is all that’s required to experience a piece of Fiji’s colourful past.  (Source: History of the Defence Club Suva)