Lytham Yacht Club: Tradition and Camaraderie by the Sea

Tucked away on Dicconson Terrace, housed within The Assembly Rooms overlooking the Ribble Estuary, Lytham Yacht Club is not a sailing club in the traditional sense, but a private gentlemen’s club with deep roots in the town’s social life.

Far from requiring a boat or any knowledge of sailing, membership here is about camaraderie, conversation, and community. For decades, the Club has provided its members with a welcoming environment to relax, share stories, and enjoy the company of like-minded friends.

The atmosphere inside is steeped in tradition — a place where time slows down, and where rituals of good fellowship are as important as the surroundings. While the Club’s name hints at the sea, it is in fact more about heritage, dignity, and maintaining a social hub that reflects Lytham’s historic charm.

In an era when many social spaces have disappeared, Lytham Yacht Club stands as a reminder of the enduring value of local institutions, offering its members a private haven by the water, where tradition is not just remembered but lived.

Images by Henry Iddon.

A New Era for a Historic Landmark: The Opening of Lytham Assembly Rooms

On Sunday 19th May 1991, the historic Lytham Assembly Rooms on Dicconson Terrace were officially opened by the Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Mrs. M. Eileen Hall J.P., marking the start of a new chapter for one of the town’s most iconic buildings.

The re-opening was the result of a remarkable community effort led by Lytham Town Trust, under the chairmanship of Alan Ashton MBE, and supported by a dedicated board of local representatives. The Trust was formed to preserve buildings of historical and architectural interest for the benefit of the community, and the Assembly Rooms were among its earliest and most significant projects.

From Public Baths to Assembly Rooms

The site has a long and fascinating history. Buildings dedicated to public use have stood there since at least 1795. In 1860, the old Baths and two Assembly Rooms were built, later replaced in 1926–28 with a striking new complex that included modern bathing facilities, a ballroom, and an impressive new entrance façade on Dicconson Terrace. For generations, it became a much-loved venue for both recreation and social life.

By the late 1980s, however, structural problems meant the plunge bath had to be withdrawn from use, and Fylde Borough Council resolved to refurbish the surviving Assembly Rooms portion for community benefit. This vision, carried forward by the newly created Lytham Town Trust, ensured the building was not only saved but reimagined for the future.

Restoring and Reimagining

The refurbishment, directed by J H Ashworth & Co. for Fylde Borough Council, sensitively restored the façade and created two versatile new spaces inside: the Dicconson Room and the Ribble Room. Each room, seating around 100 people, was designed to host meetings, concerts, exhibitions, and a wide variety of community events.

The upper floor was retained as office space, leased in part to long-standing tenants including the Lytham Yacht Club. Meanwhile, the ground floor facilities were equipped with modern amenities such as a foyer, kitchen, and public address system, making the Assembly Rooms once again a hub for civic and social activity.

A Lasting Legacy

The opening ceremony in May 1991 symbolised more than just the unveiling of a refurbished building. It represented a community coming together to honour its past and invest in its future. Thanks to the leadership of Alan Ashton MBE, the commitment of the Trust’s board, and the support of Fylde Borough Council, the Assembly Rooms continue to stand as a proud reminder of Lytham’s heritage and as a resource for generations to come.

A copy of the programme cover for the Official Opening of The Assembly Rooms in Lytham.

A copy of the inner pages of the programme for the official opening of The Assembly Rooms in Lytham.

The story of the Assembly Rooms is one of resilience, collaboration, and vision — a testament to what can be achieved when a community values its history as much as its future.

A blue plaque has since been installed on the building following an application by the Lytham St Annes Civic Society. View images of the blue plaque here.

35 Years of Lytham Town Trust

Lytham Town Trust Celebrates 35 Years with a Year of Special Events

This year marks a major milestone for Lytham Town Trust, as the organisation celebrates its 35th anniversary. Since its founding in 1990, the Trust has worked tirelessly to preserve, protect, and promote some of the town’s most historic buildings and community spaces, ensuring they remain at the heart of Lytham life.

To mark this special anniversary, the Trust has planned a 12-month programme of celebratory activities, beginning in September 2025.

Launching the Celebrations

The anniversary year opens with the launch of the Trust’s brand new website, offering a fresh and accessible way to explore its history, projects, and ongoing work in the community. Alongside this, the Trust will release a filmed interview with one of its founders, David Coupe, sharing unique insights into the early days of the organisation and the vision that has shaped its journey over the past three and a half decades.

A Year of Events Ahead

The launch is just the beginning. Over the next 12 months, Lytham Town Trust will host a series of events and activities designed to celebrate its heritage, engage the local community, and highlight the importance of protecting Lytham’s historic assets for future generations. More details of these activities will be released in the coming months.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

From the Assembly Rooms to other treasured landmarks, the Trust has safeguarded spaces that hold both historic and social importance for the town. This 35th anniversary is not only a moment to reflect on what has been achieved, but also a chance to look ahead, ensuring that the next 35 years continue to build on this legacy of care and stewardship.

Stay tuned for updates on the anniversary programme and join us in celebrating this remarkable chapter in Lytham’s story.