Club History
1981
Way back in 1981 on their return trip from Nashville, Tennessee, Vernon and Lottie Henty decided to start a Country and Western Music Club.
1982
In March 1982 the Club opened its doors under the name of Sutton Valence CMC and was held monthly at the Sutton Valence Village Hall. On an Easter Saturday, a band named Pinkertons Colours was playing at the Club before performing at the Wembley Festival on Easter Monday, when Vernon happened to mention to them that they were playing in the Best of British Section of the festival. One of the band members said to Vernon "No, the Best of British is where we are playing tonight". This gave Vernon the idea of a name change but he was unable to implement it due to the fact that if Sutton Valence was not mentioned in the Club's title the hall hire charge would be increased by 33%.
As the Club became more popluar and grew in numbers, it was decided to run it on a weekly basis but this was not possible at the present location.
1987
The Club moved to the Mid Kent College, Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, and at that time it was decided to change the name to the Best of British CMC. The Club stayed at this venue for the next 2 years.
1989
The Club relocated to the Maidstone Hospital Social Club.
1994
The Club then moved to the Malling School, East Malling, after the Rustlers CMC decided to move on.
1997
In December, Vernon and Lottie felt it was time for them to hand over the reigns to Dave and Sue. Their 15 years at the helm saw many changes with the introduction of line and partner dancing; there was also the decline in the number of members dressing in Western style clothes.
Dave and Sue, our took over from Vernon and Lottie and run the Club until February 2005 when the Club closed through lack of support.
November 2005
John & Mary reopened the Club and will run it on a monthly basis
'We will maintain the Club as a prominent Country Music Club with a balance to suit those who come to listen and those who prefer to dance.'
