Why We Became The Junction at Underwood: Honouring Tradition with a Fresh Start

The decision to transition from The Underwood Miners Welfare to The Junction at Underwood was about more than just a name change—it was about breathing new life into a cherished community space. We’ve long been proud of the history embedded in every wall, every memory, and every shared experience at what many fondly call "The Stute" or simply "The Welfare." But as much as we honour this history, we also recognised that the space needed a fresh approach to stay relevant and engaging, both for our loyal community and for newcomers passing through.

Injecting New Life

Underwood Miners Welfare has always been more than a building; it’s a symbol of resilience and community. However, as times changed, so did the needs and interests of the people. Transitioning to The Junction at Underwood gave us the chance to introduce new offerings and rejuvenate the space with updated facilities and a more versatile atmosphere. This reinvigoration is intended to attract fresh faces and encourage local involvement, creating an inviting destination where Underwood residents and visitors alike can gather, socialize, and enjoy entertainment.

A Place for All Interests

Today, The Junction at Underwood hosts a vibrant mix of events and activities. From community groups like Fur & Feather and Codnor Canine Society, kids dance classes on Saturday mornings to lively bingo nights and pool matches, there's something for everyone. We are proud to be the home of two dedicated pool teams, and we’re planning to expand our offerings even further. As we continue to enhance the venue, we look forward to welcoming a new skittles team, a darts team, and offering lunchtime meet-ups for OAPs once our kitchen upgrade is complete. This blend of traditional and new activities truly reflects our vision of creating a venue where everyone feels welcome.

Embracing Our Legacy While Looking to the Future

While some may still call it "The Stute" or "The Welfare," and we genuinely celebrate that, the change to The Junction is about preserving the legacy rather than erasing it. Our name reflects the evolution of Underwood’s role in the wider community—a “junction” where history and progress meet. We hope the new name captures the energy of what we’re building here: a place where people of all ages can come together for events, live music, and moments that create new memories.

Our Stewards

Without the vision, dedication, and hard work of Clive and Kelly, The Junction would never have happened. Their commitment to revitalising this space kept it from closing its doors in 2023, and their determination to build something lasting has given Underwood a vibrant venue for the future. Clive and Kelly have shown what it truly means to care for a community, and their efforts have created a space that will continue to bring people together for years to come.

Preserving the Heart of the Community

The Junction at Underwood exists because of its deep-rooted community spirit. Although the look, feel, and even the name might have evolved, we remain the heart of Underwood, and we are immensely proud of our heritage. This new chapter reflects our respect for the past while creating space for new possibilities. Together, we’re honouring where we came from, welcoming where we’re going, and keeping alive a community treasure for generations to come.

Thanks - The Junction@Underwood Team.