Dear Members

I can’t believe we are almost at the end of March! Spring is definitely here and the daffodils are out. We have not been idle at the Club, lots of development and planning has been going on and we can’t wait to see what you think of it.

The Committee have agreed that the Club will re-open on May 17^th 2021 dependent upon the Government review. I know some of you will be disappointed it won’t happen earlier but we were unable to go ahead with the purchase of a Marquee for insurance reasons. Maybe some time in the future who knows? The idea is on the shelf not in the rubbish bin. If the weather allows there will be some outside seating provided on the front lawn.

A taste of what is to come –

Monday May 17^th is the published date on which Step 3 of the Road Map commences. Data allowing we should be able to serve you indoors albeit whilst still observing some restrictions. If the date is confirmed by the Government we plan to be open for normal hours with all the usual weekly activities. There will be no Thursday Carvery for the time being but Miles will be continuing with his tea – time specials. So – doors will be open on Monday 17^th May at 7.00 pm.

Wednesday May 19^th Tony will be present at the Club from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm to take Membership fees, update Membership cards and distribute Car Park Stickers. You will also be able to do this on the evening of Saturday May 22^nd.

Saturday May 22^nd Miles will be inviting all of you to celebrate our re-opening with a free buffet and a reduction in the price of some drinks.

Look out for Tony if you wish to pay your Membership fees this evening.

Saturday 29^th May Eyes Down! It’s an evening of Bingo with a basket meal    

Saturday 12^th June is a Curry Night

Saturday 26^th June  Miles and Ian have engaged Louise Scott, a female vocalist to entertain us and a buffet meal will be served.

Football – as you will be aware we have a brand new television in the Alexander Room. Miles will be screening the England 2021 Euro cup matches and offering hot food during the games. More details to follow. 

We have plenty more planned to keep you interested and I will be giving details about these and other activities in the next Newsletter.

Parties/Small functions/Wedding Receptions and Meetings

Miles and the Committee are hoping to be able to expand the business by utilising both the Alexander Lounge and the upstairs Eden Lounge for private parties -such as wedding receptions and birthday parties. We can cater for up to 40 upstairs and 60 downstairs. During lock-down we have upgraded the furniture upstairs at minimum cost enabling us to offer a variety of layouts to suit most tastes. If you are planning an important event or know someone who is, please put them in touch with Miles (07738 628668) to discuss their needs. This venture will be open to Members and non-Members alike. I hope to have some photos of the Eden Lounge to show you in the next Newsletter.

The Snooker Room

Whilst in lock-down the Committee have had discussions about how to develop interest in playing snooker and make the Snooker Room more welcoming. We have agreed to make some small, no cost alterations to the Snooker Room, on a trial basis for 3 months. A “lounge area” has been created near the Bar to enable any Member to eat and drink in there if they wish. This means that at least for the duration of the trial Table No. 5 will be taken out of commission. We hope that these changes will have little impact on our Snooker players enjoyment of their game however a review of these new arrangements will take place in September when the Committee will discuss feedback from the Membership and review both bookings for the Snooker Tables and takings for the new Snooker Bar menu. A decision will not be taken about the new arrangements until after that review.  Feedback forms will be made available in the Snooker Room and Alexander Lounge.

Fire Risk Assessment

Earlier this month an independent fire consultant conducted a review of the building. His report outlined a number of minor housekeeping issues most of which were attended to immediately and our attention was also drawn to the requirement for a fire door upstairs and an additional fire alarm both of which are work in progress.

Mr James Kennedy   It is with sadness that I record the passing of Mr James Kennedy who was a Life Member and former Secretary of the Club. Our condolences go to his wife and family at this sad time.

Mr Trevor Bombroffe   It is my sad duty to inform you that Mr Trevor Bombroffe recently passed away. Our condolences to his family and friends

The Membership fees   Thank you to all of you who have already renewed.  Renewal is £37.00 per Member and the cost of re-joining or for a new Member is £50.00.

For those of you who have not yet paid 2021 subscriptions you can still do so by posting a cheque made out to Newark Conservative Club Ltd at Belvedere, 29, London Road Newark NG24 1TN. Please ensure that Tony knows the name(s) and initial(s) of each Member for whom the payment is being made.

Tony will have your car park sticker behind the Bar in anticipation of your return. When we do re-open and for those of you who did not send in your Membership cards with your payment please place your card in the 2021 Subscription box on the Bar and Tony will update it for you.

AGM – A reminder that this essential event was postponed until 2021 and remains on the Committee Agenda.. At this point in time I am unable to give you any further information. Suffice it to say that you will be advised about the AGM when the Committee has had an opportunity to consider the best way to proceed.

It won’t be long now! We are all looking forward to seeing you soon.

Ruth, (Acting Chairwoman)

Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer)

Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Stuart, Vaughan (Committee)

PS If you want to contact the Committee please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address. We may be closed but we monitor both emails and post.

Lockdown Quiz 2 

Last month Kath Lawson tested us with an anagram quiz. Here are the answers: –

1. Want dole……… Edwalton               11. Kops Row              Worksop…….
2. Shave a nerd……… Ravenshead …  12. Wild broth.             Blidworth                               
3. Lend brown tea…… New Balderton     13. Welsh lout.             Southwell……                           
4. Or help Peter……… Perlethorpe … 14.Show copper bill… Cropwell Bishop        
5. Do shower……… Sherwood           15 Lean fort……           Alfreton..
6. Find males………… Mansfield……. 16 Niggled                   Gedling  
7. Can or clots……… Car Colston …      17 Ron lad…                Arnold…           
8. Mad howl.………… Lowdham….….      18. Tall thin son……    Stanton Hill                
9. Once split………… Clipstone ………..  19. Real vest………    Teversal               
10. Fried calf ………… Radcliffe ……      20. Me need lav … … Meden Vale.

Lockdown Quiz 3

It’s Ian’s turn once again and he has kindly put together a quiz for us this month – Good Luck everyone. Answers in the April Newsletter            

1. What is the study of the science of plants|?
2. Which butterfly shares its name with a London area?
3. Which Club has members called Barkers?
4. In which African Country is Timbuctoo?
5. Cryptic Clue – TV Programme – ASCENDING SLIGHTLY WET. 
6. Who is the only British Prime Minister to marry a divorce?
7. Which Greek god gave his name to the US Space Programme?
8. Which English city has a Cathedral and the same name as an American President?
9. The first panel on which TV show featured Alma Cogan, Pete Murray, Gary Miller and Susan Stranks?
10. In Only Fools and Horses which character was teased for being a Jaffa?
11. Which is the largest Central London Park?
12. Who was Henry the Eighth’s third wife?
13. How many ounces in a pound?
14. In 1968 Dionne Warwick asked what?
15. Which abbreviation means “and so on”?
16. Which football club used to play their home games at White City?
17. Which is the oldest royal residence?
18. What colour is the circle on the Japanese flag? d
19. Who is the only golfer to win the Open in three different decades?
20. Which is England’s only island city?

Dear Members

I hope that many of you will have received your covid vaccination by now or will be doing so soon. In my experience it was a painless procedure with no side effects. I do hope that it was the same for you.

The Committee has of course been unable to meet in person during the lockdown but important decisions continue to be made by email and telephone. It takes a bit longer but time is not in short supply at present!

Well, the long awaited “road-map” has been announced. Some light at the end of a really long tunnel.  We now have some idea of dates to plan towards which will be really helpful, albeit they will not be confirmed until a week prior.

Outdoor hospitality may re-open no earlier than the 12^th April. The rule of six or two households will apply once more. The Committee will now make decisions about when and how to open on or after that date. It may be that we will be “under canvas” again! Miles has been planning for your return all through the lock-down and is raring to go – food and refreshment “al fresco” may be coming soon.

Caution and flexibility are the name of the game since we have been warned that the dates given in the Government road map are provisional on a number of factors. We are told that if the data allows we should be able to re-open indoors and have entertainment on or around the 17^th May.

I will try to keep you posted as things progress. We hope that we will have a variety of events on offer to entice you to the Club.

The Membership fees.  Renewal is £37.00 per Member and the cost of re-joining or for a new Member is £50.00. A sincere thank you to all of those who have already paid. Its been a huge help in maintaining our ability to pay all the bills which have continued throughout lock-down.

For those of you who have not yet paid 2021 subscriptions you can still do so by using one of the two methods below: You may pay your fees either by BACS  by posting a cheque made out to Newark Conservative Club Ltd at Belvedere, 29, London Road Newark NG24 1TN. Please ensure that Tony knows the name(s) and initial(s) of each Member for whom the payment is being made.

Tony will have your car park sticker behind the Bar in anticipation of your return. When we do re-open and for those of you who did not send in your Membership cards with your payment please place your card in the 2021 Subscription box on the Bar and Tony will update it for you.

AGM – This essential event was postponed until 2021 and remains on the Committee Agenda. Tony has now spoken to the ACC and is advised that it would be permissible to combine both the 2020 and 2021 AGM’s into one meeting. At this point in time I am unable to give you any further information. Suffice it to say that you will be advised about both the AGMs when the Committee has had an opportunity to consider the best way to proceed.

Mr David Badger  It is with sadness that I record the passing of Mr David Badger, who was a Life Member having joined in 1973. Our condolences go to his wife and family at this sad time.

The Committee and Miles and Andrea look forward to your return to the Club. Hope to see you all again very soon.

Ruth, (Acting Chairwoman)

Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer)

Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Stuart, Vaughan (Committee)

PS If you want to contact the Committee please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address. We may be closed but we monitor both emails and post.

Lockdown Quiz 2 

This month Kath Lawson has decided to ring the changes with an anagram quiz of towns and villages in Nottinghamshire. All you have to do is unscramble the letters.

1. Want dole…………..……………….. 11. Kops Row ……………………………..                             
2. Shave a nerd………………………… 12. Wild broth. …………………………….                                
3. Lend brown tea………………………   13. Welsh lout. ……………………………                           
4. Or help Peter………………………… 14.Show copper bill……………………….  
5. Do shower…………………………… 15 Lean fort………………………………..
6. Find males……………………………. 16 Niggled………………………………….
7. Can or clots…………………………… 17 Ron lad…………………………………           
8. Mad howl.………………………….….  18. Tall thin son…………………………….               
9. Once split…………………………….. 19. Real vest ………………………………    
10. Fried calf …………………………… 20. Me need lav …………………………..           

Answers in the next Newsletter, and please remember that the quizmaster is always right. This is a fun quiz.                               

The answers to Lockdown Quiz 1 are to be found below. How many answers did you get correct?

1.Which character in “Goldfinger” wears a steel razor edged Bowler Hat?  A: Odd Job

2. In the novel ”Oliver Twist” who is Jack Dawkins? A: The Artful Dodger
3. At which hotel were Major Gowan, Miss Tibbs and Miss Gatsby permanent residents? A: Fawlty Towers
4. What is the capital of Finland? A: Helsinki
5. Who has won most University Boat Races? A: Cambridge
6. ANAGRAM – Nottinghamshire village – LONGMICHAL A Collingham
7. The food – spiced ham – was usually known by what name? A: SPAM
8. What type of bean is used as a meat substitute? A: Soya
9. Which W is a jacket with no sleeves? A: Waistcoat
10. The Americans call it “formula” what do we call it? A: Baby milk
11. What is the world’s oldest classic horse race? A: St Leger
12. Which quote from a Shakespeare play could describe the end of 1978 and the beginning of 1979? A: The winter of discontent
13. Which is the only US State that starts with an A but does not end with an A ?A: Arkansas
14. Do Olympic athletes run clock or anti clock wise in track events? A: Anti-clockwise
15. Cryptic clue – a chocolate sweet – Assemble the Puss A: Kit Kat
16. In the song “Me and My Gal” which official is waiting for them? A: The Parson
17. Bachelors Buttons are a variety of which wildflower? A: Buttercups
18. What is the second largest continent? A: Africa
19. Name the 3 Bronte sisters. A: Emily Charlotte and Anne
20. Which commentator said “The bowler is holding the batsman’s Willey”? A: Brian Johnstone

Dear Members

The Committee and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year. We all hope that we will be able to celebrate the re-opening of the Club as soon as possible.

I also want to send a huge thank you to all of those Members – over half – who responded so positively to my appeal for Member subscriptions in the last Update. You are absolutely amazing sending subscriptions, cards, good wishes and donations. Not only have you given a boost to the Club in a financial way but you have signalled to all of us – the Committee, Miles and me –   that you are out there, willing us to keep going and that you are waiting to return. Your support is priceless and gives us all the boost we need to carry on. Thank you.

Payment of Membership Fees

Membership fees are £37.00 per Member.

The cost of re-joining or for a new Member is £50.00

For those of you who have not yet paid 2021 subscriptions you can still do so by using one of the two methods below:

You may pay your fees either by BACS using the account details advised

or by posting a cheque made out to Newark Conservative Club Ltd at Belvedere, 29, London Road Newark NG24 1TN. Please ensure that Tony knows the name(s) and initial(s) of each Member for whom the payment is being made.

Tony will have your car park sticker behind the Bar in anticipation of your return. When we do re-open and for those of you who did not send in your Membership cards with your payment please place your card in the 2021 Subscription box on the Bar and Tony will update it for you.

Needless to say, the Committee has decided that we cannot progress Miles’s plans to celebrate a late Christmas. Our thanks go to Kath Lawson for removing all the Christmas decorations that she and Gaye Rollitt, with help from Tony and Martyn, put up prior to Christmas. Such a shame that no-one saw the trimmings but hopefully this year will be different.

Miles has continued undaunted and has lots of plans for when we re-open. So, watch this space and I am sure there will be something on offer to entice you back in. I will endeavour to keep you notified of what is going to be happening, however, it will be difficult to be precise until we have a date on which we are allowed to re-open.

The Intruder Alarm

This is one of the unexpected expenses that we have had to deal with recently whilst in lockdown. Chubb, with whom we have a contract, had to be called out to rectify a fault. On investigation we were advised that because the alarm system is about 30 years old it would be necessary to replace the panel, at a cost of nearly £1,000. No intruder alarm – no insurance cover, so we had no choice but to go ahead. The alarm is now up and running.

AGM – This essential event was postponed until 2021.Tony has sought advice and you will be advised about both the 2020 and 2021 AGM when the Committee has had an opportunity to consider that information. Until we are able to re-open and are made aware of the regulations governing the re – opening we cannot progress the matter.

Meat Draw Tickets – Please hang on to any meat draw tickets you had purchased prior to the lockdown. Put them somewhere safe as they will be drawn as soon as possible when we re-open.

I am pleased to report that our friends and fellow Members Beryl and Tony Parker were one of the first in Newark to receive the Covid-19 vaccination at Newark Showground. Well done to both of you and hopefully it won’t be too long before we all get the vaccine and life returns to some sort of normal.

On a lighter note. I don’t like to think of you all sitting there with nothing to do so I asked Ian Stonier, Committee Member to put a quiz together for us. A bit of fun nothing more. I will publish the answers in the next bulletin. How many will you get correct?  Please remember the quiz master is always right.

The Committee and I look forward to your return to the Club and send you our very best wishes for a safe and healthy 2021

Hope to see you all again very soon.

Ruth, (Acting Chairwoman)

Tony, (Secretary)

 Helen, (Treasurer)

Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Stuart, Vaughan (Committee)

PS If you want to contact the Committee please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address. We may be closed but we monitor both emails and post.

Ian’s Lockdown Quiz No.1

1. Which character in “Goldfinger” wears a steel, razor- edged Bowler Hat?
2. In the novel “Oliver Twist” who is Jack Dawkins?
3. At which hotel were Major Gowan, Miss Tibbs and Miss Gatsby permanent residents?
4. What is the capital of Finland?
5. Who has won most University Boat Races?
6. ANAGRAM – Nottinghamshire village – LONGMICHAL
7. The food “spiced ham” was usually known by what name?
8. What type of bean is used as a meat substitute?
9. Which W is a jacket with no sleeves?
10. The Americans call it “formula” what do we call it?
11. What is the world’s oldest classic horse race?
12. Which quote from a Shakespeare play could describe the end of 1978 and the beginning of 1979?
13. Which is the only US State that starts with an A but does not end with an A?
14. Do Olympic athletes run clock or anti – clockwise in track events?
15. Cryptic clue – a chocolate sweet – Assemble the Puss
16. In the song “Me and My Gal” which official is waiting for them?
17. Bachelors Buttons are a variety of which wildflower?
18. What is the second largest continent?
19. Name the 3 Bronte sisters.
20. Which commentator said, “The bowler is holding the batsman’s Willey”?

Answers in the next newsletter

Dear Members

The Committee and I hope that you have all had a happy and healthy Christmas. I am sure it will have been very strange for many of you but we now have hope, in the form of a vaccine, that things will return to a “new normal” sometime in the not too distant future.

I probably don’t need to tell you that from December 31^st Nottinghamshire has been placed in Tier 4 – certainly not a “promotion” that we wanted! This means, of course, that the Club will remain closed until further notice.

All the plans we made for Christmas and the New Year will have to be “put on the shelf” for next year. However, when we re-open Miles is planning a big celebration to welcome you all back and he has lots of new and exciting events to offer you.

Mrs Doreen Pacey

It is with sadness that I record the passing of Mrs Doreen Pacey who was a Club Member for many years. Our condolences go to Jim, her husband and her family at this sad time.

Membership fees

These are now due. The Committee has discussed the issue of Membership fees in light of the temporary closure of the Club. It was decided at that meeting that the fees would be frozen and remain at £37.00 per Member for 2021. £37.00 works out at £3.08 per month or, just over 70p per week. 

I cannot stress enough how important the fees and your support will be for the continuing survival of the Club. Indeed, if you wish the Club to continue operating in the future it is essential that we pay our fees now more than ever. Miles has many projects to improve the product on offer to our Members and is waiting impatiently to implement them.

The Club continues to incur monthly overheads of around £2,000 per month whether it is trading or not. Our Treasurer Helen Andrew has been working really hard throughout the pandemic ensuring that the Club accesses all the government grants available. The Committee has also done its utmost to minimise outgoings to ensure that we can pay our bills. It’s not an easy task and many businesses in similar circumstances are being forced to close. Please help us to avoid the same thing happening to the Club. Thank you in anticipation of your continuing support.

Payment of Membership Fees

Membership fees are £37.00 per Member.

The cost of re-joining or for a new Member is £50.00

Due to the current circumstances Tony Lawson, Club Secretary will not now be present at the Club on the previously advertised dates.

You may pay your fees either by BACS  – (the account information for BACS transfer is on the newsletter update you have received either by email, post or hand delivery)

 Or

by posting a cheque made out to Newark Conservative Club Ltd at Belvedere, 29, London Road Newark NG24 1TN. Please ensure that Tony knows for whom the payment is being made by enclosing your name and address with your cheque.

Tony will have your car park sticker behind the Bar in anticipation of your return   

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year. The team, Committee and Miles and Andrea are waiting to welcome you back when it is possible to do so safely.

If you want to contact the Committee please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the above address. We may be closed but we remain active behind the scenes and we will reply to your message as soon as possible.

Ruth, (Acting Chairwoman)

Tony, (Secretary)

 Helen, (Treasurer)

Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Stuart, Vaughan (Committee)