Club History

The Eesti Kodu Club was founded in 1955 by Estonians who had to flee Estonia following Soviet occupation. They came to find work in the UK after having spent several challenging years in displaced persons camps in Germany.

The club’s inaugural event was held on 9th June 1956. People who were instrumental in founding the club and purchasing the building include Paul Pügi and Villem Kinnas. Chairpersons over the years include Anton Vaino, Endel Raatma, Albert Miilmaa, Vello Vahter, Lissa Vahter Oldcorn and Reet Järvik.

In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, there were very many active organisations based at Eesti Kodu. These included the mixed voice choir ‘Kungla’ and a male voice choir, ‘Koit’. There was an Estonian folk dancing group called ‘Kalev’, an amateur dramatics society, an arts and crafts society, a ladies’ circle, Estonian school on Saturdays (Bradfordi Eesti Täienduskool), a philately society and a pensioner’s society. The Estonian Lutheran Church in the North of England also used the club for church services and social events.

As the vast majority of Estonians who were active at that time have now passed away, most of these organisations no longer exist. We are, however, home to a new Estonian School (Eesti Kool Põhja-Inglismaal), which has been active since 2013 and meets monthly at the club on Sundays.

Fun Facts About the Club History

Hundreds of events have taken place in the club's history over the decades, with many exciting guests from Estonia and elsewhere.

One of the most memorable events in the history of the club is undoubtedly the visit of the then-President of the Republic of Estonia, Lennart Meri, who, together with his wife, Mrs. Helle Meri, visited our Estonian Independence Day celebrations in 1998. Long and thorough preparations were made for this historic and important visit.

When President Meri arrived, he asked for a glass of cognac and then asked if he could talk with the club's members. The president and his wife were both passionate smokers. However, the guests noticed that the presidential couple were sharing a cigarette. Later, Mrs Meri explained that this was due to the fact that they were both trying to reduce the number of cigarettes they smoked!

Another significant event was the club's 50th anniversary. The Estonian ambassador to Great Britain at the time felt so at home in the club that she offered the ladies his help with washing the dishes in the kitchen! Much amusement followed as the ambassador desperately tried to keep up with drying all the dishes herself! At the end of the evening, the ambassador enjoyed dancing so much that the car and driver had to wait for her for quite some time.

Eesti Kodu Archive

Eesti Kodu has been at the heart of the UK’s Estonian community for over 65 years. Many of the Estonian’s who fled war and occupation settled in Bradford and became life-long members of the club. This has given the club an extraordinary archive of records, which can be accessed upon request.