HistoryFrom the pages of History
In 1902 the Officers of the Nagpur Rifles Auxiliary Force (India) and eminent personalities of Amravati established B. V. Rifles Institute in the Camp area of Amravati. It was spread over 2.35 acres (92,629) and had a built-up area of 4500 sq. ft (as on date the total built-up area is 10,446 sq. ft). It was founded by Major J. Sewell and contained respectable names like L. C. Bapat, B. V. Dravid, C. S. Gopinath, M. V. Joshi, G. S. Khaparde, S. G. Mote, K. B. Pendke, P. G. Mundle and many others as life members.
The club is one of the oldest and premier social clubs of Amravati where business and leisure from common base and an ambiance of English Culture cocktail with Indian Heritage. The more than a century old Club has gone through transition maintaining the tradition and trend of the generation without diluting the original old world charm.
On 20th Sept. 1926 the Club premises was taken on lease from the Nagpur Rifles Auxiliary Force (India) under new identity of Reforms Club. The name Reforms Club came into existence in this year. The news clippings of 1931 say that when the governor of central province (including Vidarbha & part of Madhya Pradesh) visited Amravati, he was given at home at Reforms Club. On January 6 - 8, 1931 Scout Games were held on the ground in front of Reforms Club where the prizes were distributed by Late Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh. On 28th July,1939 the premises was purchased from Nagpur Rifles I. F. (I) by Mr. R. G. George the then President of Reforms Club for Rs. 6000/- Billiards table was imported from Dawson & Co. of U. K. in forties. The lawn Tennis courts (two) were developed and operational in sixties.
The club was duly registered with Charity Commissioner under Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 on 5th Dec. 1967. The Memorandum of Association was approved in 1979 under the guidance and leadership of the then president Late Dr. S. K. Bose and Secretary Late Mr. Muraliseth Rathi. The Managing Committee Members at that time were Dr. U. B. Yadgire (Treasurer), Late Mr. R. S. Padhye, Late Mr. M. D. Ketkar, Late Mr. A. S. Deshmukh, Late Mr. Y. D. Panse, Dr. Pramod Shah, Mr. S. N. Deshmukh and Mr. K. G. Narsu. On 14th August, 1980 the Club was granted Liquor License.
The Club has had a see change over the years. Every President and team has done an excellent job in developing the Club. The Club since then has metamorphosed itself into modern citadel. The Bar Rooms (856 & 669 sq. ft), the Card Room (675 sq. ft), the kitchen (320 sq. ft) and the Stores (162 sq. ft) in the main building came into existence during 1989 - 1992. The Cottages (residential accommodations) in 1996, the Swimming Pool, the dream project of centenary year in 2002, the Conference Hall (1809 sq. ft) in 2006 - 07, the Welcome Corridor, the Office, the Royal Hall (1124 sq. ft) and Billiards Room (627 sq. ft) in the main building were constructed during 2006 - 09 and the Gym & Yoga Complex in 2009 - 10. The exterior and interior of the Club today is a treat to watch and is a wonderful experience.
