Dear Members

We welcome 3 new Members this month.  Ronnie Dawes, Gillian Tinsley and Irene Haslam. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to speak to Tony, myself or any member of the Committee who will be pleased to help you.

Committee business

AGM  31 Members attended this annual meeting recently. Thank you to all of you. Your interest in the business is much appreciated. No queries were raised by Members about the accounts.

We were honoured to have our President and local MP Mr Robert Jenrick chairing the meeting. He acknowledged that our position was similar to that of many businesses as a result of the pandemic and offered us his support in any way he could help. He is seen here below enjoying a well-earned drink after the meeting with member Mr Philip Ingall.

Ukraine Appeal –

As you know we organised a variety of fund-raising activities for this appeal. Mark Carter was responsible for two van loads of your goods going to a central depot for the onward journey to Ukraine. The Committee placed collection points on both bars for your loose change and the Coffee morning on Friday 8^th April was very well attended. Raffle prizes went to two visitors Linda Guy and Sharon Ray,

Veronica Anderson won the Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg and Miles was the nearest to guessing the number of eggs in the jar correctly. Thank you – Peter Harper for the Easter quiz, the proceeds of which have been added to this fundraiser.

Thanks go to all who donated cakes to eat and sell. A wonderful array of confection. Also to Andrea and Miles and all the “tea ladies” who helped on the morning itself.   Our efforts raised the magnificent total of £600 which Helen has sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee – Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Mediterranean evening – At the beginning of April, a number of members decided to dip their toe into the Mediterranean. Miles delighted those who attended with excellent, tasty food from those parts and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

Future Events

Saturday 21^st May is Race Night – come and place your bets! (minimum of £1)

£5.00 for dining Members and their guests

No charge for non-diners but they should let Miles know that they are attending.

Meal in a basket – Sausage or Scampi and Chips.

Food will be served at 7.30 pm before the racing begins.

On Sunday the 22^nd of May the Club is hosting the Lincolnshire Snooker and Billiard Association annual competition. Please note that the Snooker Room and tables will not be available for hire from 9.00 am until 8.00 pm on that date only.

Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at the Club

Thursday 2^nd June – Sunday 5^th June 2022

 Thursday 2^nd June commencing at 5.30 pm Miles will be holding a BBQ (inside if poor weather) He will be cooking burgers, sausages, pulled pork in cobs. There will be chicken kebabs all served with roast potatoes or mini jacket potatoes.

£3.00 per cob. Please book as usual.

On this date there will be a tombola stall and table skittles, hoopla, ten pin skittles

We would be grateful for any prizes for the tombola stall – please leave them behind the bar or with a committee member.

Friday 3^rd June will be as usual – Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot Draw, however there will be a picture quiz with a Royal theme on each table – just for fun!

Saturday 4^th June at 7.30 pm there will be entertainment by Stacey Lyn, a female vocalist in 1940’s style and a luxury buffet.

Members and their Guests – £15.00

Non-diners – £5.00. Please book as usual

Sunday 5^th June – a game of Quingo with a Royal theme from Kath followed by some additional quiz questions by Ian. “Nibbles “will be available “on the house”.

We are very honoured to have a Royal visitor with us for the four days and you will be able to have your photograph taken with her Majesty throughout this period for a small charge.

I hope that you will come and celebrate our Queens Platinum Jubilee and join in the right royal fun!

Weekly specials continue to prove popular:

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery

served 12.00 – 2.00 pm.

Saturday Morning Breakfast

– from 10.30 to 12.30 pm

Vegetarian breakfast available on request. All with a pot of tea and toast.

Sunday Lunch

All the favourites from 12.00 pm until 3.00 pm.–

with our loyalty card you buy 9 mains and get the 10^th free.

From May 8^th Miles will be introducing a Specials Board

Lunches

Wednesday to Saturday

12.0pm to 2.00 pm

Snooker Room –

Book to avoid disappointment

Since the last newsletter Mick and Veronica Anderson have won £100 and Andrea won £250 from the Lotto machine. Mark Carter and Mick Cowley shared Kath’s Jackpot Draw of £250. James Burton won £300 on the Silly Question on Sunday. Congratulations to all!  

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box – weekly at approx. 8.30pm.

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot start at 10.00 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Sunday Night Quiz, Silly Question, Card Bingo and Ring the Bell. (Jackpot is £360 at the time of writing) Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Newark Conservative Club Bowls Section

The Bowls season starts next week. Anyone wishing to join us should leave their name and contact details with Miles, our Steward, or come along to our green on Beaumond Gardens on a Tuesday morning at 10am, weather permitting. We hope to start this Tuesday 26^th April with our 5 4 3 2 1 competition. Our first fixture is away at Newark Town on May 3rd and our league matches start in the middle of May.   Tony Parker

Covid 19 – We will continue to observe measures to keep you safe when in the Club

Please do not enter the Club if you have symptoms of covid-19. Let’s keep each other safe.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Vaughan (Committee)

If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address

Dear Members

We have several new Members this month. James Allam, Paul Clark, James Clay, Paul Terry, Geoff Woodward, and Kenneth Gibson. A very warm welcome to you all. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience as new Members please let myself or a Member of the Committee know. Details of how to contact us are at the bottom of this newsletter.

Our condolences go to Mrs Wesson and family on the death of Barrie Wesson

Committee business

AGM I am pleased to announce that our AGM will be held on April 7^th at 7.30 pm. The Right Honourable Mr Robert Jenrick, MP who is our President will be chairing the meeting. There will be an opportunity, I hope, for you to speak to him at some point during the evening. 

Items you wish to be included on the agenda should be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary, Tony Lawson by 27^th March. Copies of the 2021 Accounts and the Chairwoman’s Address 2022 will be made available to Members in the main hallway in due course and also by request to the Secretary. Membership cards to be shown at the door on the night of the AGM. Please find the Chairwoman’s address to the AGM 2021 attached at the end of this Newsletter.

Regrettably, Darren Willson who has contributed so much to the Club as a Member and, in the past, as Chairman has decided to stand down at the AGM. I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for his commitment to the Club and to his committee role as Health and Safety rep. He will continue to help clean the snooker tables for which I am truly grateful.

New Members have to have 6 months membership before they can join the Committee, however they can be co-opted onto the Committee whilst they build up those six months and until the following AGM.IF you fall into this category, please speak to me or Tony Lawson. If you already have six months or more membership and want to put your name forward then you should write your name on the nomination sheet on the hall notice board where it states “additional Committee Members”.

Membership – Please could I ask that any Member not intending to renew this year returns their door fob so that it can be given to a new Member. Thank you.

Ukraine Appeal – The Committee has decided that a Coffee Morning will be held at the Club on Friday April 8^th between 10.00am and 12.00 pm. Donations of cakes will be gratefully received – please let me, Sheila Andrew or Andrea know- some will be sold with a drink and others will be for sale. An opportunity to have a chat with friends over a cup of coffee or tea and it is hoped that we will be able to add to the total of donations already received for this appeal.

Mark Carter, Committee Member felt that he wanted to do something to help the people of Ukraine so when Joanne Miller, a Member, approached him with the same idea he went into action. With the support of the Committee and help from Kath Lawson and Darren Willson he set up a collection point in the Snooker Room and has sent two van loads to Hardy’s Farm Shop, they have donated a container. Mark liaised with NSK Europe Ltd who donated the boxes and Mark Hough Transport who volunteered to transport our donations to Farndon free of charge. We have also set up collection boxes in both the Lounges. We have been overwhelmed by your generosity and support. Every day that we are open, people bring more goods. The collection boxes currently stand at £110. You are truly amazing. Thank you. A special thank you to Member Barry Pearson who donated goods and stayed to help Mark sort things out.

The collection for goods is now closed

Price increases All prices to be increased on 1^st April – the Committee have decided that the current prices cannot be sustained when the minimum wage is increased, VAT returns to 20% and our suppliers are increasing the purchase price of food and drink supplies. Miles and the Bar Committee are currently working out the new prices and trying to keep the increase to a minimum whilst covering those increased costs.

Car Park Can I ask that all Members park their cars to the rear of the building unless they have a blue disabled badge. This must be displayed in the windscreen.  Some Members have been reporting that they struggle to find a designated disabled space so the Committee have agreed to monitor the situation – please do not be surprised or offended if you are approached by a Committee member asking to see your badge.    

Events in March –

The 12^th March saw the return of the ever-popular James Courtney (vocalist) to the Club. Everyone reported that it was a most enjoyable evening. Miles offered us a choice of curries, chilli or lasagne. Delicious food and very good fun.

Bingo Saturday 19th March with a basket meal of either sausages (vegetarian available) or scampi. £5.00 per person – really good fun and well supported as usual. Thank you.

 Miles has also been really busy with private birthday parties and a Marks and Spencer’s lunch. His reputation for good food and service is growing.

IMPORTANT – The Alexander Lounge will be closed to Members on Saturday 2^nd April from 7.00pm onwards for a private birthday party. Drinks may be purchased in the Snooker Room.

Future Events

Mothering Sunday Lunch 27^th March

– treat that special lady to a very special lunch. £22.95 per person served from 12.00 pm. The Sunday carvery at the usual price will also be available. Payment required at the time of booking.

STARTERS

DUO SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE WITH BLACK PEPPER CRACKERS AND SALAD GARNISH

CHICKEN LIVER PATE, MELBA TOAST AND RED ONION RELISH

SEA BASS, GINGER AND LIME FISHCAKE, ROCKET SALAD AND SOY SAUCE

TOMATO, BASIL AND RED PEPPER SOUP, BREAD ROLL AND BUTTER

MAINS

ROAST TOPSIDE OF BEEF OR LEG OF LAMB

ROAST POTATOES AND MASH

PARSNIPS, YORKSHIRE PUDDING

VEGETABLES AND GRAVY

TUNA LOIN STEAK WITH DAUPHINOISE POTATOES

BROCCOLI FLORETS AND BATON CARROTS

VEGETABLE SHEPHERD’S PIE WITH GOAT’S CHEESE MASH

BROCCOLI FLORETS AND BATON CARROTS

DESSERTS

APPLE AND BLACKBERRY PIE

GLUTEN FREE ALMONDY PEANUT CARAMEL TART

STRAWBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

TRIO OF PISTACHIO, SALTED CARAMEL AND MADAGASCAN VANILLA ICE CREAM

OR

CHEESE AND BISCUITS (AT AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF £1.50)

FOLLOWED BY COFFEE AND MINTS

Mediterranean evening- 9^th April

(Bring your own deck chair, sun glasses and sun tan lotion)

FOOD SERVED 7.30pm – 9.30pm   £15.00 BOOKING REQUIRED

PLEASE PRE ORDER MAINS FROM CHOICES BELOW

FETA CHEESE SALAD, MOUSSAKA, SHISH KEBAB OR TAGLIATELLE CARBONARA

ALSO AVAILABLE

GREEK POTATOES, GARLIC BREAD, MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLES,

SAVOURY RICE, CIABATTA BREAD, BATTERED SQUID RINGS AND CALAMARI CHUNKS

PLEASE PRE ORDER DESSERTS

TIRAMISU SERVED WITH CREAM

PISTACHIO ICE CREAM

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL

SING ALONG WITH JASON DAVIDSON

£15.00 PER PERSON

NON-DINERS £5.00 PER PERSON

PLEASE PRE ORDER FOOD

BANGERS & MASH

SAVOURY DUCK & MUSHY PEAS

HOT BEEF ROLLS WITH ROAST POTATOES

COD, FAT CHIPS & MUSHY PEAS

VEGETARIAN OPTION AVAILABLE PLEASE ASK

DESSERTS

APPLE PIE, SPOTTED DICK OR BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING

SERVED WITH CUSTARD, CREAM OR ICE CREAM

BOOKING REQUIRED

In the planning – A Race Night for May and the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in June.

Many events on offer to tempt you into the Club! That is not all though………

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery served 12.00 – 2.00 pm.

Friday Shoppers Special Miles has decided to discontinue with his Fish and Chip Special. Watch this space for his alternative next month.

Saturday Morning Breakfast – from 10.30 to 12.30 pm

 Vegetarian breakfast available on request. All with a pot of tea and toast. 

Sunday Lunch is very popular so don’t forget to reserve your table. All the favourites from 12.00 pm until 3.00 pm.– and with our loyalty card you buy 9 mains and get the 10^th free.

Lunches are served Wednesday to Saturday 12.0pm to 2.00 pm with a variety of meals and snacks to suit your taste.

Snooker Room – the popularity of the Snooker Room knows no bounds. Please don’t forget to book your table before you come otherwise you are likely to be disappointed.

Please don’t forget to support the other regular weekly events:

Last week commencing 14^th March was very lucky for some!

Mick and Veronica Anderson won £100 and Andrea won £250 from the Lotto machine. Mark Carter and Pat and Mick Cowley shared Kath’s Lotto jackpot of £250.

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box – weekly at approx. 8.30pm.

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot start at 10.00 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Sunday Night Quiz, Silly Question, Card Bingo and Ring the Bell. (Jackpot is £360 at the time of writing) Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Covid 19 – We will continue to observe measures to keep you safe when in the Club

Please do not enter the Club if you have symptoms of covid-19. Let’s keep each other safe.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Vaughan (Committee)

If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address

Chairwoman’s Address March 2022

The Club started 2021 in Tier 4 of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and then the country swiftly entered the 3^rd National Lockdown. It wasn’t until May 2021 that indoor hospitality was allowed to re-open its doors once more. The following month saw all restrictions lifted. Approximately six months of the year were lost to us as a business.

On May 22^nd we celebrated the re-opening of the Club to Members and their guests with an evening buffet. It was so good to be able to welcome you all back into the Club. At that time we were all still required to wear masks when moving around inside the building.

At long last, on the 19^th July the government decreed a relaxation of all the covid regulations and we were able to hold the AGM. This was my first as Chairwoman and was well attended by Members despite a general nervousness about meeting in large groups caused by the pandemic.

 You, as Members, must make your own judgements about whether or not I have achieved my aims as stated at the last AGM. They were as follows:

1. To stabilise and expand the business as much as possible.

 We remain open for business despite the pandemic and its continuing dramatic effects on all businesses in the hospitality trade. I and the Committee have had to make some very difficult decisions during last year. Rising overheads including fuel and the increasing costs of food and drink from our suppliers have impacted on the business. These and the constraints caused by being unable to “trade” have all taken their toll.  On top of these problems is the continuing difficulty we have had in recruiting staff. This seems to be common to many hospitality venues.  

2. To develop the use of all the building.

In 2020 the Committee decided to invest in future business in the form of private functions and parties. Miles, Club Steward has been instrumental in driving this initiative and his reputation for good food and service is now developing. For example, the Club has been the venue for birthday and christening parties, afternoon teas and baby showers to name but a few.

The more visitors we welcome to Belvedere, the more opportunities we have to “spread the word” about the Club and showcase our facilities locally in terms of generating more income and future business.

3. To consider, agree and implement the Stewards ideas for the benefit of the Club and its Members.

This went in tandem with my second aim for 2021. Miles is invited to present his business ideas at each Committee meeting and the Committee give him feedback about past events. It is hoped that in this way we can improve what we offer to Members, their guests and the public. In 2021 we held a Casino Night and a Race Night presented in-house which were both firsts for the Club. Miles held a Curry Night and a Steak Night. These all proved to be popular. On Christmas Day Miles was able to deliver his first Christmas lunch at the Club. I have named but a few.

Private business has increased and provides the Club with a much-needed revenue stream.

During the last year we have welcomed 24 new Members to the Club.   

    4.To continue to improve communication with all Members.

 I hope you will all agree that the Committee and I have achieved this goal. Indeed, the feed-back I receive about the monthly Newsletter is very positive. My thanks to all the Committee for their help to hand deliver to those who have no internet. Add to that the emails that Helen, Treasurer is now able to send out which have enhanced our ability to keep you all well informed about what is going on at short notice and Andrea continues to update our Facebook page on a regular basis.  

5.To implement a programme of maintenance in relation to Belvedere and the flats on Winchilsea Avenue.

Belvedere – The peripheral hedge has been cut and tidied. An estimate for annual hedge cutting has been received and accepted.

There still remains a lot of essential maintenance work to ensure that the building looks good and is fit for purpose. The repaired front bay window will need a coat of paint in the Spring and it is planned that a second front window will be repaired this year. There is also the matter of the delayed essential electrical work which hopefully will be carried out this year. Such projects are a considerable drain on our financial resources but are essential for the future of the building and business.

Winchilsea Avenue – We now have two Members of the Committee, Kath Lawson and Alan Card dedicated to the planning of a maintenance plan. They have completed a list of maintenance jobs of which the Committee now needs to agree the priorities. After which the plan will be implemented finances permitting. It is my intention that this work will be funded by the rental income.

The first of the stated aims for 2021 has been fully achieved, and the other four have been partially achieved and will continue to be ongoing. A lot of positive progress has been made through Miles’s hard work and that of the Club Secretary, Tony Lawson, Club Treasurer, Helen Andrew and the Committee. Thank you all for your hard work, dedication and commitment to the Club.

 My aims for 2022

I will continue to focus on my previous aims, as above and also strive :-

 *  to ensure that the business will, at the very least, break even.

 *  to increase Member attendance by offering a wider variety of events at varying ticket prices.

 *  to ensure that inevitable increased overheads are appropriately reflected in cost to Members whilst ensuring that the Members receive value for their money.

 *  to hold an Open Day aimed at attracting new Members.

 *  to strengthen and improve our presence in Newark by support to local charities and the community in which we operate whenever possible.

Ruth

Ruth Lockwood, Chairwoman

 

 

Dear Members

It may be blowing a gale outside as I am writing this newsletter to you however, spring is nearly here! We have snowdrops and crocuses in the front garden at the Club and the daffodils are in bud.

Did you know that just over 50 years ago on Saturday January 29^th 1972 the informal opening of Newark Conservative Club’s new premises at Belvedere, London Road took place? According to the piece in the Newark Advertiser the club moved from Cartergate and women were allowed as associate members for the first time! They, the women associates, were in the Club on the following Monday. The women could go into the Eden Lounge but the Churchill and MacMillan rooms where the men played snooker was still forbidden territory. We have come along way since then, thank goodness!

I extend a very warm welcome to new Members – Gary Clay, Shaun Sutton, Richard Rosling, John Moody and Benjamin Reed. I hope you will soon feel at home in the Club. Apologies to John Crowden – a new Member in January – I inadvertently misspelt his name as Crowder.

If there is anything we can do to improve your experience as new Members please let myself or a Member of the Committee know. Details of how to contact us are at the bottom of this newsletter.

Condolences – Our sincere sympathy goes to the families of John Wilson and John Duckett, both Members who have recently passed away.

Committee business

Members Subscription – a final reminder from me if you have not already paid. The renewal fee this year is £41.00. The Committee and I are working very hard to provide a comfortable place for you to eat, drink, socialise and be entertained. We very much value your membership and hope that you will renew and take advantage of the wonderful facilities we have to offer.

AGM This very important annual meeting will be towards the end of March or beginning of April. The precise date will be advertised as soon as it can be confirmed. We hope as many Members as possible will come along. You will be advised accordingly and appropriate notices will be published on the notice board in the normal way in due course.

CCTV In common with a large number of licensed premises it has been agreed by the Committee that

a CCTV camera will be installed behind the bar in the Alexander Lounge. The purpose of this camera will be to protect our staff/workers who are sometimes required to work on their own. In addition, CCTV will be used to provide added security when the Bar is left unattended. Records will, under normal circumstances, only be available to those authorised to view them by the Committee and kept for no longer than 30 days.

Minimum spend The Committee voted at the last meeting to re-instate the minimum spend for card payment. With effect from March1^st you will have to spend £5.00 or more to permit use of your card. I apologise for the inconvenience however this is necessitated by the high charge made to the Club when card transactions are processed. It will still be possible to run up a “tab” which will reduce the Club’s costs. The “tab” will be payable before you leave the Club. 

I would also like to remind you that, in order to gain re-imbursement for your car park ticket, you must spend £5.00 or more on food, drinks or snooker. This “rule” has been relaxed in recent times because of the pandemic but will be enforced with effect from 1^st March 2022.

 Sunday Quiz – those of you who attend the Sunday night quiz will have noticed the absence of one of the quiz masters, Steve Turner. Steve would give Ian Stonier a Sunday night off once a month by running the quiz but unfortunately has not been well. Best wishes and thanks very much for all your hard work Steve.

Xmas Quiz – I want to thank Pete Harper very much for all the hard work he put into his special Christmas Quiz. Pete raised the sum of £39.00 for Club funds and has offered to do a quiz quarterly – so keep your brain ticking over.

Ticket Prices for Entertainment events the Committee has long been in discussion about this thorny issue. At their last meeting it was decided that, due to the increasing cost of all our overheads including food, drink and entertainer’s fees, the price for an entertainment evening would have to reflect that and other imminent increases.

On occasions those who are not Members will be asked to pay more than Members and those who choose not to eat will be charged for the entertainment alone. The decision will be made by the Committee with information and advice from Miles.

 I realise this will not be a popular decision for some but those of us who go shopping will be well aware that prices have risen considerably in the past months. This decision has been made in an attempt to be fair to everyone. There has to be some advantage in being a Member and paying your subscription. It was also felt that, people who chose not to eat should make a fair and proportionate contribution towards the cost of the entertainer.

Future Events

Miles and the Committee are busy planning for the year ahead. Plans are already afoot for a bonanza weekend of Jubilee celebrations in early June – so watch this space. March is certainly looking full of promise :-

Chilli/Curry Night Saturday 12^th March (7.00pm – 7.30 pm). The entertainment will be by James Courtney- The popular vocalist is making a welcome return to the Club. A curry (vegetarian curry available on request) will be served with rice and naan bread, the chilli will be served with rice and garlic bread. Sweets will be available at an additional charge. £15.00 per person with no additional charge for non-Members. Non -diners may join us for the entertainment for £5.00 per person. Payment required at the time of booking.

Bingo Saturday 19th March with a basket meal of either sausages (vegetarian available) or scampi. £5.00 per person. Non-diners and non-Members – no additional charge. Food will be served from 7.00 pm, eyes down 8.00 pm. Booking and pre-payment required

Mothering Sunday Lunch 27^th March – treat that special lady to a very special lunch. £22.95 per person served from 12.00 pm. The Sunday carvery at the usual price will also be available. Payment required at the time of booking.

Starters

Duo Smoked Salmon Mousse with black pepper crackers and salad garnish

Chicken Liver pate, Melba Toast and red onion relish

Sea Bass, ginger and lime fishcake , rocket salad and soy sauce

Tomato, basil and red pepper soup, bread roll and butter

Mains

Roast topside of beef or Leg of Lamb

Roast potatoes and mash

Parsnips, Yorkshire pudding

Vegetables and gravy

Tuna Loin steak with Dauphinoise potatoes

Broccoli Florets and baton carrots

Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie with goat’s cheese mash

Broccoli Florets and baton carrots

Desserts

Apple and blackberry Pie

Gluten Free Almondy Peanut Caramel Tart

Strawberry White Chocolate Cheesecake

Trio of Pistachio, salted caramel and Madagascan vanilla ice cream

or

Cheese and Biscuits (at an additional charge of £1.50)

Followed by Coffee and Mints

………

An exciting time table for March – I hope you will all agree. Come along, enjoy yourselves and support your Club. Miles also offers you ….

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery served 12.00 – 2.00 pm. Price for a main course alone is £6.40 and add £1.65 for a sweet.

Friday Shoppers Special served from 12.00 pm until 2.00pm. Hand battered Fish and chips with mushy peas, bread and butter and a pot of tea. £9.00 per person

Saturday Morning Breakfast – from 10.30 to 12.30 pm

 large – £6.95 and small £5.95. Vegetarian breakfast available on request. All with a pot of tea and toast. 

Sunday Lunch is very popular so don’t forget to reserve your table. All the favourites from 12.00 pm until 3.00 pm. £7.50 per person – and with our loyalty card you buy 9 mains and get the 10^th free.

Lunches are served Wednesday to Saturday 12.0pm to 2.00 pm with a variety of meals and snacks to suit your taste.

Snooker Room – I know some of you Grandads will be disappointed but the special Saturday Lunch-time offer of a free game of snooker for children will be finishing on 26^th February. The Kids menu will still be available.  

Please don’t forget to support the other regular weekly events:

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box – weekly at approx. 8.30pm. Congratulations to Mick Andrew who won £120 Wednesday 16^th Feb on Open the Box. Prize will return to £50 next week.

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot (prize money stands at £210) starts at 10.00 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Sunday Night Quiz, Silly Question, Card Bingo and Ring the Bell. (Jackpot is £330 at the time of writing) Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Covid 19 – We will continue to observe measures to keep you safe when in the Club

Please do not enter the Club if you have symptoms of covid-19. Let’s keep each other safe.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Vaughan (Committee)

If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address

 

The Committee and I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!

We have several new Members for 2022 – Mrs Jean Peet, Mr Nigel Tatton, Mr Terence Crowder, Mrs Lynne Harper, Ms Janette Snape and Mr David Murray-Carr. A very warm welcome to you all on behalf of the Committee and Members.

Committee business

The Newark Conservative Association has extended an invitation to a Club Member, who must also be a paid-up member of the Conservative Party, to become a member of the Association’s Committee. If anyone is interested and wishes to find out more about what would be involved please speak to Tony Lawson.

Your membership became due on January 1^st 2022 and the renewal fee is £41.Those joining for the first time are required to pay £50 as a one-off fee. Thank you to all of you who have already re-joined. Your ongoing support is much appreciated.

BACS The preferred method of payment is B.A.C.S. because there is no cost to the Club. Payment details are as follows:

Payee – Newark Conservative Club

Sort code – 20   50   21

Account number – 03164209

Reference – A.B.Bloggs (Please ensure that you include your name and initials in the reference box to enable us to identify who has paid.)

We would be most grateful if you choose this option. Once you have paid by B.A.C.S please place your membership card in one of the brown envelopes on the Alexander Lounge bar and then place the envelope into the 2022 subscription box also on the Alexander Lounge bar.

Cash or Cheque Alternatively please place your £41.00 (cash or cheque made out to Newark Conservative Club) along with your membership card into one of the brown envelopes placed on the Alexander Lounge bar, then into the subscription box which is also placed on the Alexander Lounge bar.

Credit/Debit card if you wish to pay your subscription by credit/debit card, then you must ensure that the Club’s record of the transaction is placed in your envelope along with your membership card prior to being placed in the subscription box.

However you pay, if you require a car park sticker you are requested to write your car registration number on the brown envelope when paying, you will be able to collect your updated membership card and a car park sticker from the Alexander Lounge Bar in due course.

Food Safety and Hygiene

A food safety and hygiene inspection was carried out on 22^nd December by Newark and Sherwood District Council. Some points for action were raised in the report – these have all now been successfully completed. The Inspector returned on the 18^th January 2022 and has given us a clean bill of health. Miles returned from his holiday to a newly decorated kitchen!

News from the social scene

Miles and Andrea had a very busy time with a wide variety of events in December such as Casino Night, Christmas Eve nibbles, Christmas meals, and a 5 course Christmas Day lunch. There was a 3 course meal with entertainment on New Year’s Eve. It was a really enjoyable evening and a fun way to see in the New Year. We all had a wonderful meal and enjoyed fantastic live entertainment from Kim.

The Christmas decorations that added so much to the atmosphere have been put away for another year – thanks once again to Kath, Tony, Gaye and Martyn. Your hard work is much appreciated.

Andrea and Miles have just returned from a few days away, recuperating from all the hard work over the past year and especially Christmas. I would like to convey your thanks to them both for their hard work.

Miles is now planning the programme for the coming year.

January 29^th  Bingo £5 per person for a basket meal of either sausage (vegetarian option available) or scampi and chips. Food served from 7.00 pm, eyes down 8.00 pm

February 19^th – Celebrate Valentine’s Day  with a special meal (7.00pm – 7.30 pm) and entertainment by Jack Graham, vocalist. The menu will be

STARTERS

CREAMY MUSHROOM VOL AU VENT

HAZELNUT BUTTER SCALLOPS SERVED WITH SIDE SALAD

SMOOTH CHICKEN LIVER PATE TOPPED WITH REDCURRANT GLAZE SERVED WITH CRACKERS & SIDE SALAD

MAINS

PORK MEDALLIONS IN CIDER APPLE AND MUSHROOM SAUCE SERVED WITH DAUPHINOISE POTATOES BROCCOLI & CARROTS

CAULIFLOWER & RED PEPPER CURRY SERVED WITH RICE & NAAN BREAD

HALIBUT STEAK IN LEMON BUTTER & ROSEMARY SAUCE

SERVED WITH DAUPHINOISE POTATOES BROCCOLI & CARROTS

DESSERTS

HANDMADE BELGIAN CHOCOLATE CAKE SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

PASSION CAKE SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

STRAWBERRY & PROSECCO TRUFFLE SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

COFFEE & MINTS

Dining Members £29.95 per person

Dining non-Members £34.95 per person

Non- diners £10.00 per person 

BOOKING REQUIRED   

PAYMENT MUST BE MADE AT TIME OF BOOKING

March 27^TH  – Mothering Sunday  – treat your mother or the special lady in your life to a SPECIAL Mother’s Day lunch. More details to follow.  

And please Don’t forget your regular favourites for the diary

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery served 12.00 – 2.00 pm. Price for a main course alone will be £6.40 and add £1.65 for a sweet.

Friday Shoppers Special served from 12.00 pm until 2.00pm. Hand battered Fish and chips with mushy peas, bread and butter and a pot of tea. £9.00 per person

Saturday Morning Breakfast – from 10.30 to 12.30 pm

 large – £6.95 and small £5.95. Vegetarian breakfast available on request. All with a pot of tea and toast. 

Sunday Lunch is very popular so don’t forget to reserve your table. All the favourites from 12.00 pm until 3.00 pm. £7.50 per person – and with our loyalty card you buy 9 mains and get the 10^th free.

Lunches are served Wednesday to Saturday 12.0pm to 2.00 pm with a variety of meals and snacks to suit your taste.    

Snooker Room – it is now possible to order and eat a snack in the Snooker Room. A reminder of the Free Snooker taster sessions – On every Saturday lunch-time between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Members are invited to bring a young person between the age of 12yrs and 18yrs to play a game of snooker free of charge. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult Member at all times. A “kids” menu will be available e.g., burger and a coke £3.00.  

Please don’t forget to support the other regular weekly events:

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box – weekly at approx. 8.30pm.

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot (prize money stands at £170) starts at 10.00 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Sunday Night Quiz, Silly Question, Card Bingo and Ring the Bell. (Jackpot is £135 at the time of writing) Please note that this event now starts at 8.30 pm with the Card Bingo. It will be followed at 9.00 pm by the Quiz itself. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar

Newark Conservative Club Bowls Section

As always happens at this time of the year there is very little to report from the Bowls section. However we had a lovely Christmas Dinner at the Club. Thank you Miles and Andrea. We have a committee meeting at the end of the month and will put the AGM date in February ‘s issue of the Club Bulletin. 

Tony Parker

Ladies Section

The Ladies Section held their Christmas meal on 13th December, and sadly this would be the last time they would meet together as a group.  Due to diminishing numbers the £3 paid by each member at the monthly meetings would no longer amount to enough to be able to attract good quality speakers.   

 Although there were only 11 of us at the Christmas meal, this was an enjoyable event with plenty of food and wine and everyone went home with a small gift.  

There were remaining funds at the end of the year of £125.63 which it was agreed would be donated to various charities.  This was divided up as follows:

£65.63 to Beaumond House Hospice, £30 to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and £30 to Canine Partners (who were one of our last speakers and train assistance dogs).  I have had acknowledgements from all these Charities for our donations, so the money will be used beneficially.

It is sad that a group that has existed for many years has been disbanded, but as mentioned previously, diminishing numbers, ladies not renewing their Club Membership and changing times have contributed to this.  I think those of us who have attended over the years have heard some fascinating tales, seen some interesting demonstrations and overall had a good time. So thanks to everyone who has attended and made the meetings enjoyable.

Best wishes

Diane, Secretary/Treasurer.

Darts – bring your darts along and have a game in the Snooker Room. 

Dominoes –5’s and 3’s is on the last Thursday of every month at 7.45 pm. Learners are very welcome, support and training available if interested.  Please come along and join in. Further information from Monica and Richard Hill

Running out Dominoes is held on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month at 7.45 pm. from September until April.  Again, you will be welcome to join us. Further information from Kath and Tony Lawson

Newark Patriotic Fund

The target has been reached, so the bucket has been removed from the hall. Thanks to those of you who have collected your milk bottle tops for this worthy cause.

Covid 19 – We will continue to observe measures to keep you safe when in the Club

The doors/windows will be opened at regular intervals for short periods of time to ventilate the Lounge as much as possible. Please feel free to wear a face mask when you are moving around the building.

The signing- in form remains available and also the track and trace NHS QR code. Cleaning of tables and chairs between customers has continued and will be maintained. Please continue to observe a safe distance between yourselves and other Members and their guests. Antiseptic hand gel is available for your use. Please do not enter the Club if you have symptoms of covid-19. Let’s keep each other safe.

Wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2022

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Vaughan (Committee)

If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address  

The Committee and I wish all Members a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you all have a wonderful time. Don’t forget that we have a lot to offer you at Christmas and New Year. Bookings are still being taken for Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Eve so have a look at the menu – I am sure there will be something to suit you. You can sign in your family and friends as well so they won’t miss out.

 The Club is looking resplendent in Christmas decorations. Our thanks go to Gaye, Martin, Kath and Tony for spending their time to create a festive atmosphere. This year we also have a Christmas tree outside the front porch – thanks to Andrea for that.

 On Christmas Eve – Friday – the evening will have a decidedly Christmas flavour to it. Come along and join in the fun starting at 8.30 pm with Kath’s Xmas Quingo. You will be able to enjoy “nibbles” whilst you listen to Christmas music. There will be picture and music quizzes with a Christmas theme. There will also be the old favourite – Play your Cards right – not once but twice!. Put on your Christmas hats, jumpers, costumes and win a prize for the “best dressed” person.

 If you don’t want to cook and wash up on Christmas Day Miles and his team will do it all for you. Join us at the Club for a Christmas feast served from 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm.

 I imagine we are all wishing for a better 2022 in terms of being able to return to our normal lives. Come and see the New Year in at the Club with a 3 course meal at a bargain price of £25.00. If you have already booked 2 courses please contact Miles or one of the staff to choose a third course -which is now included in the price.

 After all the hard work over the past year and particularly the festive season Miles and Andrea have decided to take a well-earned break early in the New Year This means that there has been some revision of opening times during the week from Monday 3^rd January to Friday 7^th January 2022.  Please see calendar below for details. Hope you both enjoy your holiday!

Christmas Calendar of events 2021

DATE	EVENT (all events are dependent on Covid-19 rules permitting)
Sun 19t     Dec	Usual opening hours    Xmas Fayre Menu optional for Sunday lunch £15.95 each
Mon 20th Dec	Usual opening hours
Tues 21st   Dec	Usual opening hours
Wed 22nd Dec	Usual opening hours
Thurs 23rd Dec	Usual opening hours
Xmas Eve	Usual opening hours   Evening 7.00 pm until 12.30am – Free Xmas nibbles plus Play Your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot Draw and other Xmas games with PRIZES. Wear your Xmas jumper!
Xmas Day	Xmas Day Lunch £49.95 per person 12.00 pm until last sitting at 4.30pm. Evening – CLOSED
Boxing Day	Closed lunch-time                  Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Mon 27th Dec	Closed lunch-time                  Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Tues 28th Dec	Closed lunch-time                  Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Wed 29th Dec	Closed lunch-time                  Evening open as usual 7.00 pm                                                    no evening quiz
Thurs 30th Dec	Usual opening hours. No Thursday lunch -time carvery
New Year’s Eve	Usual opening hours. Lunch-time Fish and Chip Special available Evening entertainment by Kim – vocalist and multi-instrumentalist/3 course meal £25.00 each           7.00 pm for 7.30pm     SEATING will be RESERVED for diners only
Sat 1st       Jan 2022	Closed all day and evening. No food available
Sun 2nd Jan	CLOSED during the day. Bars and Snooker room open at 7.00 pm. NO quiz
Mon 3rd Jan	CLOSED during the day. Bars and Snooker room open at 7.00 pm
Tues 4th Jan	CLOSED during the day. Bars and Snooker room open at 7.00 pm
Wed 5th Jan	CLOSED during the day. Bars and Snooker room open at 7.00 pm
Thurs 6th Jan	CLOSED during the day. Bars and Snooker room open at 7.00 pm
Fri 7th Jan	CLOSED during the day. Bars and Snooker room open at 7.00 pm Play your Cards Right will be on but there will be no meat draw.
Sat 8th Jan	Open as normal. Food available
Sun 9th Jan	Open as normal. Sunday lunch available and evening quiz .

 

CHRISTMAS DAY MENU – £49.95 per person

                                         A GLASS OF BUCKS FIZZ AND CANAPÉS ON ARRIVAL

STARTERS

WILD PHEASANT PATE WITH APPLE BRANDY SERVED WITH CRACKED BLACK PEPPER CRACKERS & CARAMELISED ONION CHUTNEY

TOMATO, BASIL & RED PEPPER SOUP SERVED WITH WARM ROLL & BUTTER

DUO OF SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE SERVED WITH

CRACKED BLACK PEPPER CRACKERS & SALAD GARNI

 MAINS

TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY OR ROAST BEEF SERVED WITH ROAST & MASHED POTATOES, YORKSHIRE PUDDING, SEASONAL VEGETABLES, PIGS IN BLANKETS & GRAVY

MUSHROOM, CRANBERRY, BRIE & NUT WELLINGTON SERVED WITH HERBY NEW POTATOES & SEASONAL VEGETABLES OR SALAD

HALIBUT STEAK SERVED WITH HERBY NEW POTATOES & SEASONAL VEGETABLES OR SALAD

DESSERTS

LUXURY CHRISTMAS PUDDING SERVED WITH BRANDY SAUCE

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

CARAMEL APPLE PIE SERVED WITH CREAM, CUSTARD OR ICE CREAM

CHOCOLATE ST HONORE GATEAU SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

OR CHEESE AND BISCUITS

COFFEE & MINCE PIES

BOOKING & PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED 

  NEW YEARS EVE – CHOICE OF 2  COURSES £25.00 per person

NOW  THREE Courses for the same price !!

STARTERS

PARSNIP CARROT & CUMIN SOUP

SERVED WITH WARM ROLL & BUTTER

MINI CAMEMBERT SERVED WITH SALAD & SALSA DIP

ARDENNES PATE SERVED WITH CRACKERS & CARAMELIZED ONION CHUTNEY

MAINS

CHICKEN BREAST IN LEMON & HONEY SAUCE

SERVED WITH DAUPHINOISE POTATOES & FRESH VEGETABLES

LUXURY STEAK, ALE & HORSERADISH PIE

SERVED WITH MASH POTATOES, FRESH VEGETABLES & GRAVY

SALMON FILLET SERVED WITH HERBY NEW POTATOES & SALAD

MUSHROOM BRIE, CRANBERRY & NUT WELLINGTON

SERVED WITH NEW POTATOES & FRESH VEGETABLES

DESSERTS

LEMON MERINGUE PIE

APPLE PIE

STRAWBERRY & PROSECCO TRUFFLES

SERVED WITH CUSTARD CREAM OR ICE CREAM

Booking and pre-payment required

I hope you will agree, there is plenty for us all to enjoy over Christmas and the New Year.  In January, Miles is already planning to celebrate Burns Night on Saturday the 29^th January 2022 with a traditional meal. More information to follow.

Thank you all so much for your encouragement, good wishes and feedback over the past year. without you all the hard work would not be worthwhile. I hope you will all re-join in 2022.

Your membership will become due on January 1^st 2022 and the renewal fee is £41.Those joining for the first time are required to pay £50 as a one-off fee.

I want to take this opportunity to remind you why the subs have increased from £37.00 to £41.00. At the AGM in 2019 the Membership voted for a £2.00 annual increase for the following 5 years. Last January 2021, in view of the pandemic and the consequent lock-down the Committee took the unusual step of freezing the £2.00 increase for that year only. Hence in 2022 the subs are £41.00 – still very good value for money.

BACS The preferred method of payment is B.A.C.S. because there is no cost to the Club. Payment details are as follows:

Payee – Newark Conservative Club

Sort code – 20   50   21

Account number – 03164209

Reference – A.B.Bloggs (Please ensure that you include your name and initials in the reference box to enable us to identify who has paid.)

We would be most grateful if you choose this option. Once you have paid by B.A.C.S please place your membership card in one of the brown envelopes on the Alexander Lounge bar and then place the envelope into the 2022 subscription box also on the Alexander Lounge bar.

Cash or Cheque Alternatively please place your £41.00 (cash or cheque made out to Newark Conservative Club) along with your membership card into one of the brown envelopes placed on the Alexander Lounge bar, then into the subscription box which is also placed on the Alexander Lounge bar.

Credit/Debit card if you wish to pay your subscription by credit/debit card, then you must ensure that the Club’s record of the transaction is placed in your envelope along with your membership card prior to being placed in the subscription box.

In person Tony will be present at the Club to take your subs payments at the following times:

Monday 3^rd January            7.00  pm – 9.00pm

Friday 7^th January               7.00  pm – 8.45 pm and 9.15 pm – 11.00 pm

Wednesday 12^th January   10.30 am – 1.30 pm and 7.00 pm –   8.00 pm

Thursday 13^th January       12 noon- 2.00 pm

Friday 14^th January            12 noon to 1.30 pm and   7.00 pm – 8.45 pm and 9.15 pm – 11.00 pm                                          

However you pay, if you require a car park sticker you are requested to write your car registration number on the brown envelope when paying, you will be able to collect your updated membership card and a car park sticker from the Alexander Lounge Bar in due course.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU on your behalf to the Officers of the Committee, the Committee Members, Miles, Andrea and the team of staff who have worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances to ensure that the “show goes on. Well done to all of you.

 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all  

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Darren, Ian, Kath, Mark, Sheila, Vaughan (Committee)

If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address

 PS In the last newsletter I recorded the death of Patrick Wright and mistakenly relayed our condolences to his wife Diane. Mrs Wright’s name is Pauline.  My sincere apologies to all concerned. 

 PPS In the November Newsletter I stated that the price of the Thursday carvery was £ 5.95. This was an error. The price is £6.40 for two courses. My apologies.  

Covid 19 – We will continue to observe measures to keep you safe when in the Club

The windows will be opened at regular intervals for short periods of time to ventilate the Lounge as much as possible.

Please feel free to wear a face mask when you are moving around the building.

The signing- in form remains available and also the track and trace NHS QR code.

Cleaning of tables and chairs between customers has continued and will be maintained.

Please continue to observe a safe distance between yourselves and other Members and their guests.

Antiseptic hand gel is available for your use.

Please do not enter the Club if you have symptoms of covid-19. Let’s keep each other safe.