As in many villages, the Village Hall has been host to all kinds of events, such as wedding receptions, children\\\\\\\'s parties, line dancing, darts matches and a youth club.

But in place of that other traditional social focus, the village pub, Santon Downham has the Brecklands Club. This is a thriving licenced club, with some 500 members - far more than the population. About half of the 90 or so households in Santon Downham include members, but the rules ensure that control remains with the village, as the committee is predominantly made up of villagers.

There are regular events such as discos, cabaret and a trip to the races. The highlight of recent years was the millennium celebration, with four whole days of parties, fireworks and entertainment.

Hall and Club started life together in the same building, a wooden hut that was brought to Santon Downham in 1954 by the Forestry Commission for its workers who lived here. The building used to stand at High Lodge where it was originally part of a labour camp when planting of the forest was at its peak. The Hall was opened on on 21st December 1954 by the Right Honourable the Earl of Radnor.

The Club expanded from its corner of the Village Hall, and today occupies a modern building adjoining, which opened in 1994. Rebuilding of the Village Hall started in April 2004.

The Breckland Club will be opening at 7 pm during the World Cup.

The games will be being shown on the clubs 50"  HD TV.