Dear Members,  

Hello. I would like to introduce myself as Acting Chairwoman. You may be aware that Darren Willson has resigned due to personal commitments so I have stepped into the breach! The Committee and I would like to acknowledge all the hard work done by Darren for the Club whilst he was Chairman. He was always willing to consider new ideas and to persuade others that change was good and to look at things from a different angle. Very “hands on”  Darren  always mucked in when there was a table to be moved or a hedge to cut. Thank you Darren. However, we are pleased to report that we are not losing him completely and he has agreed to remain as a member of the Committee.

Mine is a temporary position as Acting Chairwoman until we can all get together at the AGM, probably in October, to vote for a new Chairperson. In the meantime I am doing my best to lead the Committee in the uncharted, shark infested waters that the pandemic has left behind. I have been trying to introduce myself to Members but if I haven’t said hello please don’t be shy and say hello when you see me around.

Since the re-opening the Committee and I have been monitoring the measures we have in place to ensure social distancing is possible within the Club. This is important for your Health and Safety. Recently we have found it necessary to slightly alter these in the Alexander Lounge to make it clearer for Members at the Bar. I hope you have found the extra signage helpful. Thank you for your ongoing commitment – I acknowledge that there will be times when we may forget to stay 2 metres apart but we must try our best to follow the Government guidelines.

Our first event was held, in fact, on our Re- Opening Day, 4^th July. About 50 Members and their guests turned out in the early evening to enjoy a free hot buffet under the marquee and in the Lounge. Feedback has been extremely positive although one or two were disappointed that the roast meat was unavailable later on. We have learnt from that experience and for our next event, again in the Marquee on Saturday 25^th July we have asked Members who wish to attend to book prior to the evening. At the time of writing we have around 36 people who have done so at the time of writing. 

We all really appreciate your support for these early evening events and plan to continue with them into the autumn.

We are currently aware that some Members are not receiving our emails and Bulletin. Can I assure you that this is a top priority. We are in discussion at Committee and with our web site manager in order to try to rectify the problem and we hope to improve communications with you all as soon as is possible.

One of our other priorities at the moment is keeping in touch with our staff. We have notified them that they will remain on “furlough” until the business justifies their return to work. They all understand the current position.

If you have been into the Alexander Lounge recently I am sure you will have noticed the new 60” screen television. We hope that you will be able to watch a variety of programmes in the comfort of the Lounge with a glass of your favourite beverage in front of you. I understand some of you will be concerned that the presence of a television will distract from conversation. We have tried to make sure that it is as unobtrusive as possible by situating it at the end of the Lounge and in a corner. Miles will be in control of the remote and the television will only be on at certain times. Our Steward will also be planning some evenings around popular televised sporting and other events.

We are in the process of purchasing a dartboard ifor the Snooker Room. This will be installed in te alcove.  I hope some of you will come in and use it. We could have a Darts Team if there is enough interest. 

Sunday Lunch is re-gaining its popularity. If you have not tried it please give it a go! It presents really good value for money at £6.95 per person for the Main Course. Sweets are available. We also have a loyalty card which entitles you to a free main course when you have purchased  9. A take away service will be available for all meals but pre-ordering will be essential.

I am pleased to let you know that the Sunday night quiz and games evening and the Wednesday night quiz have re-commenced. Miles is now running the Wednesday night quiz – he is a tough inquisitor – and he will re-introduce some refreshments when the Government guidance allows. Come along and test your knowledge, you will be very welcome.

The Meat Draw and Play Your Cards Right  on a Friday Night is regaining in popularity and Kath invites you all to support the Club with her Lotto Draw.

Coming up soon in August !!

August 8^th – an evening of Bingo with food 

August 22^nd Another retro evening with DJ  – basket food – 6.00 pm -8.00 pm

Check out the website for more details

In closing can I take this opportunity to remind everyone of their continuing responsibilities regarding the virus. The Committee and I would ask you not to enter the Club if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid – 19. Please act responsibly and take care of yourself and others by going home and self isolating in accordance with Government guidelines.

If you would like to comment on this Bulletin please do so by email .The Club email address (info@newarkconservativeclub.org) is being monitored and you will receive a reply..

Acting Chairwoman – Ruth Lockwood, Secretary – Tony Lawson, Treasurer – Helen Andrew

and Committee Members – Darren Willson, Vaughan Wright, Ian Stonier, and Sheila Andrew