Founded in October 1950, The Fence Club was established by eight individuals representing a broad cross-section of the toy industry, including manufacturers, a salesman, an agent, an importer, a chain store buyer, and a journalist. They represented ‘All sides of The Fence’ of the Toy industry.
The Club was originally established to promote good companionship, engaging conversation, enjoyable food and drink all while fostering fellowship and a greater understanding of the Toy trade.
Today, The Fence Club remains firmly rooted in the Toy industry.
Throughout the year, both financial and toy donations are made to a wide range of deserving children’s charities across the UK and Ireland, supporting sick, disabled, and terminally ill children. Focus is often given to smaller charities that may not otherwise receive support.
Membership is limited to 45 active members nine of which are honorary members, alongside 45 Wall members (retired members).
Six official functions are held each year, where members come together to socialise and raise funds for charity.
Members continue to uphold the The Fence Club’s founding philosophy:
“Strive mightily but eat and drink as friends.”
The Fence Club’s modern motto is:
“Where having fun changes children’s lives.”
Members enjoy having fun and seeking out enjoyable and exciting experiences to be playful light hearted and approach life with a positive attitude. Members like to socialise and are generally upbeat.
To The Fence Club, to the work of the club and to the Toy industry and the networking that the club enables.
To the children we raise money for, to one another, giving time money and action.
A member should be involved, volunteer support and wants to contribute.
Members don’t expect things in return, are community minded, caring and wish to make a positive impact.
Over the last 10 years The Fence Club has supported over 150 different children’s charities.
Donated
Since becoming a registered charity in 1998 The Fence Club has donated over £2.5 Million.
The Fence Club began in 1950 when a small group of eight toy industry professionals gathered after the British Industries Fair and decided to form a dining club founded on friendship, shared experiences and lively conversation. What started as a social initiative quickly grew into a structured organisation with a defined membership, regular events and a strong sense of community. Our founders were J. Buttery, H.J. Lewis, D. Cooke, H.J. Loveland, W.A.Ingram, W. Pilton, R. Kohnstam, E.L. Simmons
The Club’s inaugural Golf Day took place in the 1970s. The event was established as a memorial to one of the Club’s founders and its first Secretary, Teddy Simmons, who carried out his duties with outstanding ability, enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty.
In recognition of his contribution, the Club purchased a solid silver trophy, known as the Teddy Simmons Golf Trophy. Today, the event remains a popular fixture in the toy trade golfing calendar and provides an important opportunity to raise funds for charity.
Honorary Membership was created in 1994. The Club’s second Secretary, Richard Levy, became the first Honorary Member after serving as Secretary for seventeen years. Since then nine further Honorary Members have been created who have all served the Club with considerable distinction.
The Fence Club Trust Fund was oficially registered as a Charity on 14th December 1998: Charity No. 1072928.
Over the years, the Club has evolved to become more inclusive and diverse, welcoming a broader range of members and perspectives. While social events such as dinners, The Christmas Ball and the Golf Day remain central, charitable giving has also become a core focus. The Club has raised significant funds and provided toys and support to children’s charities across the UK, helping improve young lives. Today, The Fence Club balances its heritage of connection and camaraderie with a modern, inclusive outlook, continuing to bring people together while making a meaningful difference to others.
