History of Swansea Pickwick Club

Swansea Pickwick Club was formed thirty years ago during the 70’s when everyone’s dream was to own their own business. The club took its name from the classic novel, The Pickwick Papers written by Charles Dickens and founded by Samuel Pickwick. The club met for the first time at the Grand Hotel, High Street, Swansea and decided to help business men become more successful in Swansea through contacts in the area. The club has produced five millionaires, three Lord Mayors and helped numerous businesses thrive.

The co-founder of The Pickwick Club, Gerald Murphy said, “It was formed out of the need to get together and talk about different things that we have experienced in the business world”.

Swansea Pickwick Club has had many different venues throughout its thirty years including Steak by Night, the old Barons nightclub and Mozart’s Restaurant. However on the 30th anniversary of The Pickwick Club we returned to our roots and now once again we meet at The Grand Hotel in High Street, Swansea which is opposite Swansea Railway Station. Our members include Councillors, Sports Celebrities, Solicitors, Accountants, and Swansea Business Men.

We have had numerous celebrities as our after lunch speakers including Ray Gravell of The Scarlets, Mel Charles (a former Swansea footballer), Mel Nurse of the Swans and this month we had Nathan Brew who plays rugby for the Scarlets and owns a restaurant in Swansea. We have also had Jason Gardiner from Dragon Forge who made a replica of the Owain Glyndwr Sword.

The efforts of the members over the years has benefited local charities such as Friends of the Young Disabled, South Gower Rugby Club through fundraising events such as indoor golf tournaments, barbeques and racing nights.