Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – November

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – November

Dear Members,

This month we have four new members joining us. I would like to send a warm welcome to Fiona Staniland, John Painting and Morag Reed. Also a big welcome back to Polly Parrott, I hope that you will feel at home when you visit the Club.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of Mrs Gladys Welch who passed away at the grand age of 102yrs.
She was a past member and when in good health never missed her bingo and attended Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday sessions.

Committee business
I have to remind you that your membership fees become due on 1stJanuary 2023. Full details of how to do this will be included in the next newsletter.
Please note that Tony the Club Secretary will be on holiday from Monday 9th January 2023 for one week and this may result in a short delay in membership cards being returned

Hot water system
The plans for the new hot water cylinder have been approved by the Committee. Work should be starting soon, with, it is hoped, minimum disruption to Members activities.

Sale of Winchilsea Avenue Flats.
Nothing to report at the present time.

Staff
I would like to welcome Josh to the team. You will, no doubt, meet him behind the Bar in the next few weeks.

Website
Helen and I met with our web manager last week to start updating our website.
Please have a look at the new page advertising the Club as a “wedding party venue” and let us know what you think.
It is hoped that this page will attract some interest from local people looking for a party venue.

Open Forum – Feedback
As promised in Octobers newsletter here below are the last few questions asked by members at the Open Forum held in September:

Q: What fuel is used to heat the snooker room?
A: Gas
(To date it has been difficult to regulate the temperature in the snooker room. It is hoped that the revised zonal heating system will help us to do that)

Q: The Committee were asked what were the new regulations governing regarding letting of properties which were coming into force in October 2022?
A: One of them is that each room with a gas appliance has to have a CO2 monitor. There are more.

Q: The price of soft drinks was raised as a matter of concern by a member
A: He was assured that the price was necessary and caused by the cost to the Club. Club prices are competitive and in the region of those charged by other outlets

A number of comments / queries were raised concerning membership
The issues surrounding membership have been raised at Committee and are on the agenda to be discussed soon.

Q: The amount of £50 joining fee was raised?

Comment: It was suggested that a one- off annual car parking fee be paid by members who wished to do so.
Comment: A member present suggested that both members, officials of the Club including the Steward and staff should work together to recruit new members and therefore increase the revenue of the Club.

Q: If there was a delay in selling the flats would the annual subscription be increased?
A: At the 2019 AGM a proposal had been put forward and agreed by members. The proposal:  that the amount of the annual subscription for 2020 be increased by £2.00 to £37.00 and each year after for 4 years the subs be increased by a further £2.00 each year.

Comment: The fact that the Club website was out of date was raised at the forum.
Please see my comments about updating the website above.

Comment: It was suggested that Life Members should be asked for a small contribution each year
This will be considered by the Committee

Comment: It was suggested that the Club has a regular lunch for female members.
I regret the “folding up” of the Ladies section but no-one came forward to take on chairmanship of it. If there is anyone interested in forming a Lunch Club – open to both genders please let me know.   

That concludes my report on the September Open Forum.
All agreed that it was a useful exercise and it gave the Committee “food for thought”

New Chair and committee members
To date no-one has come forward to register any interest in the Chairperson vacancy to be created in March when I stand down. Please give serious consideration to giving some time and energy to your Club and let either myself, Tony or a member of the committee know if you would like an informal/no commitment discussion about this.

The Committee has decided that both the offers below will continue.
Special Offer number 1 – for a limited period only
Somersby draught cider at the knock down price of £3.50 a pint.
This offer will be discontinued when current stocks are finished.
Special Offer number 2 – for a limited period only
Every Friday Night between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm all draught beers, lagers and ciders will be £3.00 per pint to include the Somersby cider.

At the time of writing both our guest beers are Courage Directors, Batemans XXXB, Greene King Abbot Ale and London Glory.

Christmas events
Please try to support as many Christmas events as you can.
Miles is working very hard to try to ensure that you can celebrate this important event in the Club.
Details can be found at the back of the October newsletter, on Facebook, our web-site and displayed in the Club itself

Past events
On November 26th a Race Night was held in the Alexander Lounge. Excitement was high as the races took place. A lot of money exchanged hands, some winning more than others!
Thanks to Ian, Miles and Andrea for running the evening so well, to Miles for the food and Anya for serving.
Last but not least thanks to all who supported the event.  The atmosphere was electric!

Don’t forget – you can book any event over the bar or by giving Miles a ring on 
07738 628668
Las Vegas is visiting Newark Conservative Club for one night only on Saturday December 10th

Come along for a night of fun and risk- free speculation.
Are you feeling lucky?
We will have two tables – one roulette and one black jack table with professional croupiers to assist you to place your bets.
All gaming chips provided at no additional charge.

8.30pm start £15.00 each to include a glass of Prosecco with canapes and a finger buffet.
Dress to impress/DJ for men optional.

This evening was a great success last year – so please come and join us.
Calling all our snooker players –
Food is also available in the Snooker Room this evening

Advance booking and payment essential
World Cup Football

Come and watch the England matches at the Club.
Food – filled baps and bowl of chips will be available in the Lounge and Snooker room when England is playing

Weekly specials

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery
The lunch time carvery is back – enjoy!

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 10th free.
Xmas Fayre Menu available on booking

Lunches
Wednesday to Saturday
12.0pm to 2.00 pm

Snooker Room
Book to avoid disappointment

Newark Conservative Club Bowls Section

A reminder that our Christmas Dinner will be held on Thursday 15th December, 7.00pm for 7.30pm.

The closing date for bookings (to be made with Miles on 07738 628668 in the usual way) is one week before i.e. 8th December.

Look forward to seeing you all.

Tony Parker

Newark Conservative Club Snooker Team

The Newark Conservative Club Snooker Team are doing pretty well in the Lincoln and District League. They have played 10 matches and only lost 1 and are currently 2nd in the table by 2 points behind Lincoln Snooker Club.
Rob Hall has the highest break for the team so far with a magnificent 83, the highest of the League so far this season is 116 by Matt Ransome of Lincoln Snooker Club.

We would like to thank Miles and Andrea for the marvellous food they put on for the teams. It’s a fantastic way to make the night, thank you, and to Darren who gets the table ready for us on home nights, It’s always immaculate for us, thanks Darren.

Thanks to the Club for letting us play there, it’s very popular with all the players that travel over for the matches.
Thank you

David Jobling.

Friday night Meat Draw
Xmas Draw tickets currently available for purchase as well as weekly Meat Draw tickets.  Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot (currently £370) 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 (£70). Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Best wishes

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

Christmas is coming to the Club !

Christmas is coming to the Club !

Miles and the Committee are pleased to present the Club’s

 Christmas 2022 Events Calendar to you.

From the Saturday 10th December Casino Night, with finger buffet, a glass of Prosecco and an opportunity to dress up if you wish all for £15.00 each, to Christmas Day Lunch you have plenty to choose from in December. On the 23rd December we have a Christmas Draw (including meat prizes). Christmas Eve promises to be a fun night with food platters at £10 per person served to each table and vocals and disco from JB disco. Those of you who came to Christmas Day lunch last year will know what to expect. A tasty meal with all the trimmings for £52.95.

The following week is New Year’s Eve, always a special day in my diary. Please join us as we see the New Year in with friends and family at the Club. Miles is preparing a luxury buffet at £25.00 per person and entertainment will be provided by a male/female duo called DEKOTA.  Come along and join in the fun.

If you would prefer to arrange a “special Christmas meal” for your group/party prior to Christmas then Miles has a Christmas Fayre menu –at £19.95 each This will be available by arrangement with Miles and also, again by arrangement, as an option for Sunday lunch from the 4th to the 18th December.

I am sure you wilI find something to your taste.

Why not bring your friends and families along as guests, sign them in and pay £1.00 and they can enjoy the festivities with you? No cooking and no washing up.

Please find menus and other information below.

Miles is taking bookings now so don’t delay and risk being disappointed. Bookings and pre-payment will be taken up to the week prior to the event. These can be done either in person at the Bar where a member of staff will be pleased to help you or by phoning Miles on 07738 628668

 

CHRISTMAS DAY MENU

A GLASS OF BUCKS FIZZ AND CANAPÉS ON ARRIVAL

STARTERS

DUCK LIVER PARFAIT WITH ORANGE GLAZE SERVED WITH CRACKED BLACK PEPPER CRACKERS & CARAMELISED ONION CHUTNEY

CARROT CORIANDER SOUP SERVED WITH WARM ROLL & BUTTER

ROELESS SCALLOPS SERVED WITH

MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLES

MAINS

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

RACK OF LAMB   SERVED WITH ROAST & MASHED POTATOES, YORKSHIRE PUDDING, SEASONAL VEGETABLES,  PIGS IN BLANKETS & GRAVY

MEDITERRANEAN 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

RASPBERRY TARTLETS SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

CARAMEL APPLE PIE SERVED WITH CREAM, CUSTARD OR ICE CREAM

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE COOKIES & CREAM CHEESECAKE SERVED WITH CREAM OR ICE CREAM

CHEESE AND BISCUITS

COFFEE & MINCE PIES

BOOKING REQUIRED    £52.95 PER HEAD

PAYMENT MUST BE MADE AT TIME OF BOOKING

Christmas Fayre Menu

AVAILABLE FROM 4TH TO 23RD DECEMBER

STARTERS

SEASONAL PATE SERVED WITH CRUSTY BREAD SALAD & CHUTNEY

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

DUO OF SMOKED SALMON SERVED WITH BLACK PEPPER CRACKERS

MAINS

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

TUNA LOIN STEAK SERVED WITH MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLES & NEW POTATOES

VEGETARIAN OPTION

MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE WELLINGTON SERVED WITH SEASONAL VEGETABLES & NEW POTATOES

DESSERTS

LUXURY CHRISTMAS PUDDING SERVED WITH BRANDY SAUCE

STRAWBERRY & PROSECCO TRUFFLE SERVED WITH CREAM

APPLE PIE SERVED WITH CREAM OR CUSTARD OR ICE CREAM

COFFEE & MINCE PIES

BOOKING REQUIRED

PAYMENT REQUIRED AT TIME OF BOOKING

£19.95 per person

 Christmas Calendar of events 2022

DATE EVENT
Thurs 1st     Dec Usual opening hours
Fri 2nd Dec Usual opening hours. Meat draw/PYCR/Jackpot draw
Sat3rd       Dec Usual opening hours
Sun 4th      Dec Usual opening hours. Xmas Fayre Menu available for parties and is also optional for Sunday lunch £19.95 per person. Sunday evening quiz.
Mon 5th     Dec Usual opening hours evening only
Tues 6th    Dec Usual opening hours evening only
Wed 7th   Dec Usual opening hours. Evening quiz
Thurs 8th   Dec Usual opening hours. Thursday carvery /bar menu
Fri 9th Dec Usual opening hours. Meat draw/PYCR/Jackpot draw
Sat 10th    Dec  Usual opening hours. Casino Night 8.30 pm £15.00 each to include gambling chips/finger buffet/ glass of Prosecco with canapes. Dress to impress. Guests welcome.
Sun 11th    Dec Usual opening hours. Xmas Fayre Menu optional for Sunday lunch £19.95 per person. Sunday evening quiz.
Mon 12th    Dec Usual opening hours   evening only
Tues 13th   Dec Usual opening hours   evening only
Wed 14th Dec Usual opening hours. Evening quiz
Thurs 15th Dec Usual opening hours. Thursday carvery / bar menu
Fri 16th Dec Usual opening hours. Meat draw/PYCR/Jackpot draw
Sat 17th    Dec Usual opening hours.
Sun 18th        Dec Usual opening hours.    Xmas Fayre Menu optional for Sunday lunch £19.95 per person. Evening Christmas Quiz starts 8.30pm. All welcome
Mon 19t   Dec Usual opening hours.  Evening only
Tues 20th Dec Usual opening hours.  Evening only
Wed 21st   Dec Usual opening hours   Evening quiz .
Thurs 22nd Dec Usual opening hours   Thursday carvery/bar menu
DATE EVENT
Fri 23rd Dec Usual opening hours.    Xmas Draw including meat prizes/PYCR/Jackpot draw
Xmas Eve

Sat  24th Dec

Usual opening hours.   Evening 7.00 pm until 12.30am – Entertainment by J.B. DISCO and vocalist. Cold food platters. Price-  £10.00 per person (Snooker room food and non- diners £5.00 per person)
Xmas Day Sun

25th Dec

Xmas Day Lunch £52.95 per person 12.00 pm last sitting at 3.00 pm

Evening – CLOSED

Boxing Day Mon 26th Dec Closed lunch-time.                  Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Tues 27thDec Bank holiday Closed lunch-time.                 Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Wed 28th Dec Usual opening hours                Evening quiz “Find out how much you remember of 2022” – start 8.30 pm. All welcome
Thurs 29th Dec Usual opening hours               No Thursday carvery. Bar menu available
Fri  30th Dec Usual opening hours.              Join Kath at 8.30 pm for a bit of a fun Quingo Quiz and Scattergories
New Year’s Eve

Saturday 31st

The Club will be closed until 7.00 pm. when it will be open for the New Year Celebrations with entertainment by DEKOTA a male/female duo

A luxury buffet £25.00 per person (non-diners £10 and snooker room food £15.00 per person) Buffet available from 8.00pm.

New Years Day Sun 1st  Jan 2023 Closed lunch-time                   Evening open as usual at 7.00pm Sunday quiz
Mon 2nd Jan

Bank holiday

Closed lunch-time                   Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Tues 3rd Jan Closed lunch-time                   Evening open as usual 7.00 pm
Wed 4th Jan Closed lunch-time                   Evening open as usual 7.00 pm Evening Quiz
Thurs 5th Jan Usual opening hours               NO Thursday carvery. Bar menu available
Fri 6th Jan Usual opening hours.              Meat draw/PYCR/Jackpot draw

 

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – October 2022

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – October 2022

Dear Members

Please join with me in welcoming Richard Hughes and John Purdy who are new members of the Club.

Committee business

Meat Draw At their last Finance Committee meeting the committee reluctantly decided to increase the price of Meat Draw Tickets from £1.00 for a strip of 10 to £1.50 for a strip of 10. This price increase is the first for many years has been necessitated by the increase in the meat bill and the need to ensure the high quality of the meat prizes. This decision will be effective from Friday 4th November.

Hot water system The Belvedere gremlins have struck again. The hot water cylinder situated in the boiler house has sprung a leak. This cylinder stores water for both the hot water and central heating system. The Committee have commissioned two quotations from local plumbing companies and also advice has been sought from a heating consultant. There is no doubt that the leak cannot be left and some work will have to be carried out in the meantime Tony and George are “bailing out “the cellar!

Sale of Winchilsea Avenue Flats. Once again, I have nothing concrete to report. There has been some interest but it may or may not develop.  We will have to wait and see. The current political and economic situation is not helping in this matter. 

Staff, We have four regulars who are working very hard to keep our Club functioning but we are anticipating that the pressure will be on over the Christmas period. The Club is not the only such business to be in this situation. If anyone has any hours to spare or knows anyone who is looking for a job, please ring Miles on 07738 628668 for a chat.

Garden Bench Some of you may have noticed that the bench that used to be situated near the front entrance “disappeared” after it was broken. Well, thanks to one of our members it has now been expertly restored to its former glory

Well, I think you have to agree that it looks even better now with a fresh coat of paint. Our thanks go to Mick Cowley for his handiwork.

Cherry Tree In consultation with Sandra Wright and Vaughan’s family the committee has been trying to think of a suitable memorial to Vaughan. He was such a long- standing member of both the Club and Committee. Sandra and the Wright family have suggested a Cherry tree and the committee have decided to progress this suggestion in the Spring. We are advised that it would be better to plant the tree then when the ground is warm.  If anyone would like to give a donation in memory of Vaughan please contact Helen, Tony or myself.

Website –   Thank you to all those who showed an interest in helping. A number of committee members met with our current web manager recently. He informed us that we, the Club, have the potential to update the web site ourselves. He has offered to “train” a couple of committee members to do so and I am going to arrange for that to happen as soon as possible.

Open Forum – Feedback

Back on the 20th September I held an Open Forum at the Club. This was an opportunity for members to raise any issues or ask questions about Club business. Approximately 20 members attended and it was great to see so many. I took the opportunity to talk about the current financial and business environment in which we are operating at the moment, which is not good and then opened the floor to questions.

The first three questions were about finance and were from one member –

  1. How much does the Club owe in loans?
  2. £70,000 approx.
  3. What is the monthly shortfall?
  4. From £800 to £1,000 approx.

Obviously not a good position to be in nor one that can be sustained but the Committee are working very hard to rectify that. Also, when the flats are sold the plan is to pay off all the Clubs loans. 

  1. How much rent did the Club receive from the flats in Winchilsea Avenue?
  2. £870 per month. This income has helped enormously over the covid period and with the bills that we have had to face.

Q and A As you all know the Committee are in the process of selling the flats and one member suggested that most “senior” members would be against that. I replied that there was no choice – the Club would not survive much longer without an injection of capital into the business and a reduction of overheads.

I do feel that the Open Forum would have been the arena for those “senior” members to make their feelings known to the Committee however his was the only voice.

Q and A Another member asked what was the average spend of each member and advised that some Clubs ask for a minimum spend from their members? At the moment we don’t collect the figures in such a way to give us that information. The committee will consider all suggestions about how to raise income

  1. The suggestion was put forward to ask all life members for a small donation or fee in lieu of membership fees.
  2. This idea will be considered by the committee in the future when discussing membership and all things connected.

I hope that everyone present felt that they had an opportunity to raise issues of concern and interest. I will include the last few questions / ideas in the next newsletter.

New Chair and committee members –   please give serious consideration to giving some time and energy to your Club. Please let either myself, Tony or a member of the committee know if you would like an informal discussion about this.

MacMillan Coffee Morning. The total we raised has risen by £45.00 to £645-00 –when the bike was sold. Wow that’s a great amount raised for a very worthy cause.

Newark Children’s Bereavement Centre prize draw.   – the Committee have agreed to donate a prize in the form of 2 free Sunday dinners to this worthy cause.

Special Offers The Committee has decided that both the offers below will continue.

Special Offer number 1 – for a limited period only Somersby draught cider at the knock down price of £3.50 a pint.

Special Offer number 2 – for a limited period only

Every Friday Night between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm all draught beers, lagers and ciders will be £3.00 per pint to include the Somersby cider. At the moment our guest beers are Courage Directors, Batemans XXXB Green King Abbott Ale and London Glory.

Christmas events Xmas Fayre Menu, Christmas Day menu and details of other Christmas events have now been emailed to those with email addresses and are attached in hard copy for those without. All available on request from Miles.

Past events

October 8th was a Steak Night with entertainment guitarist/vocalist from Neil Timothy. There was a full house to enjoy the food from Miles and the music from Neil Timothy. The evening was a great success and the entertainer proved to be very popular – he got us all up and dancing to his beat.

On Saturday evening, October 28th we all enjoyed a supper of fish or chicken and chips followed by several games of Bingo. Good fun was had by all. Thank you to Miles, Andrea and Charlotte for the food and service and also to Miles for calling and Helen for ensuring that the money side of things ran smoothly.

A big thank you to all of you who come and support our entertainment evenings.

Dates for your diary

 Don’t forget – you can book any event over the bar or by giving Miles a ring on

07738 628668

November 19th is Race Night

Sausage or scampi and chips (vegetarian option available)

£5 per person, non-diners and non-members no additional charge

 

Calling all our snooker players –

Food served at 7.30pm and is also available in the Snooker Room this evening

Advance booking and payment essential

Saturday 26th November – This is advance notice that the Alexander Lounge will be closed to members from 4.00pm onwards because of a private function. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

And coming soon

World Cup Football Come and watch the matches at the Club. Food will be available in the Lounge and Snooker room.  First screening Friday 25th November at 7.00 pm and Wales v England on 29th November at 7.00 pm

Casino Night Saturday 10th December – dress to impress!! Make sure you bring Lady Luck with you.

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery

The lunch time carvery is back – enjoy!

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 10th free

Please book with Miles in the usual way

 

Lunches

Wednesday to Saturday

12.0pm to 2.00 pm

 

Snooker Room

Book to avoid disappointment

 

Newark Conservative Club Bowls Section

Christmas Dinner. Thursday 15th December. Please book and pay Andrea or Miles directly. This must be before the 8th of December. Full details of the menu – Xmas Fayre – have been circulated and are posted on the board. The bowls green has been scarified and looks marvellous. 5 4 3 2 1 trophy will be presented 🎁 at the Christmas Dinner. 

Newark Conservative Club Snooker Team:

I am reliably informed that the Newark Conservative Club Snooker Team has won their most recent match and currently are leaders in the Lincolnshire Snooker and Billiards Association tournament. Well done to you all and keep going!!

 

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box Regrettably the Committee has taken the decision to temporarily suspend this quiz. The aim is to replace it with something else to entertain you. Thanks to those who have supported this quiz.  Watch this space.  

 

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot (currently £330) 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. Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Ian, Kath, Sheila, Mark and Darren (Committee) If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address    

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – October 2022

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – September 2022

Dear Members

Many of you will have been saddened by the death of our Queen. Our flag has been flying at half- mast as a mark of our respect for a Queen who always put the country first and served its people in a dignified and loyal manner. May she Rest in Peace.

In the last few weeks we have seen enormous change in all our lives. We not only have a new King, Charles the Third but a new leader of the Tory Party and Prime Minister, Liz Truss. Enormous difficulties face us as a country and Newark Conservative Club will not be immune to these. For a small business already struggling with the after effects of a national pandemic, this latest blow, evidenced in rising fuel and supplier costs will be difficult to mitigate against. The Committee and I are working hard to keep the business afloat but sometimes it does seem like an uphill struggle. So please support everything you can – we promise to keep our prices as low as we possibly can and you can help by choosing the Club for a meal, drink or entertainment evening.

A big thank you to Jim McAuslin, our relief manager who “held the fort “during Miles’s leave. Not an easy thing to do but he made it look easy. A big welcome back to Andrea and Miles – hope you enjoyed your break.

Since my last newsletter we have one new member. A big welcome to Darren Hall – happy snookering.

Committee business

After much thought and deliberation I have decided to step down as Chairwoman at the 2023 AGM. In March next year I will have been “in post” for nearly three years. I feel that it is now time for someone else with new ideas and a fresh outlook to take over. During the next six months the committee and I will be working hard to generate interest in Committee work and the post of Chairman or woman in Members.

On September 20th the Committee held an Open Forum in the Alexander Lounge. It was attended by a number of members all of whom were able to express their views and opinions. Tony, the Secretary made notes and I intend to report more members comments in the October newsletter.

One important issue which I raised at the forum was that of new members. To date this year we have welcomed 32 new members however we cannot afford to sit on our laurels. We need to do all we can to attract new members – the key to a Club’s future lies in its ability to recruit new members. This is where you, the current members, can help by bringing your neighbours, friends, family along with you. Show off your club and tell them what a lot we have to offer.

Staff, or rather the lack of, has become a pressing issue for us once more. If you know of anyone who is looking for a few hours work, either during the daytime in the week or at the weekend please ask them to ring Miles on 07738 628668 for a chat.

Sale of Winchilsea Avenue

Regrettably I have nothing to report. The flats are currently being advertised with a focus on investors with no interest at the moment. If this situation continues we will have to consider a different tack. Kath is keeping a close eye on things on behalf of the Committee.  

I.T. HELP REQUIRED – PLEASE!

You will be aware, I hope, that the Club has a web-site. The committee is acutely aware that it is out of date in respect of information and functionality and, in this day and age is absolutely essential to attract and increase business. Currently we, the Committee, do not have the IT skills to improve the web site. I am making the relevant external enquiries but would welcome help from a member, even if only in the short term to get us started. So, if you have the relevant skills, a little time please contact me on info@newarkconservativeclub.org and we can discuss how to proceed.

The Committee has decided that both the offers below will continue.

Special Offer number 1 – for a limited period only

Somersby draught cider at the knock down price of £3.50 a pint.

Special Offer number 2 – for a limited period only

Every Friday Night between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm all draught beers, lagers and ciders will be £3.00 per pint to include the Somersby cider. At the moment our guest beers are Abbott Ale, Batemans and London Glory.

Past events

On Friday 23rd September we held a MacMillan Coffee Morning.Thank you to all who brought cakes, bought cakes and those who ate them. Thanks also to all of you who helped by serving, raffling and tombola-ing. Great team work and a profitable morning for MacMillan. Our thanks also go to Andrea and Miles  

 To date the total raised is £600 beating last years final total by nearly £200 – brilliant effort by everyone!

Dates for your diary

 Don’t forget – you can book any event over the bar or by giving Miles a ring on

07738 628668

October 8th  Steak Night with entertainment guitarist/vocalist  Neil Timothy

2 x Sirloin steak 10 oz (uncooked weight), 2 x desserts, 2 x glasses of wine all for £35 per couple. There will be a £2.00 supplement for Rib eye steak 10 oz (uncooked weight)

All food served with fat chips, onion rings, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes.

Choice of sauces available at £2.00 each / Fish or Vegetarian option on request

Apple pie served with custard, cream or ice cream

Lemon Meringue Pie served with ice cream or cream

Calling all our snooker players –

Food served at 7.30pm and is also available in the Snooker Room this evening

Advance booking and payment essential

If you are a lone diner – just halve the price and come along to enjoy the fun! Don’t want to eat?  – £5.00 will get you in.

Saturday 29th October – This is advance notice that the Alexander Lounge will be closed to members from 7.00pm onwards because of a private function. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Coming soon – November 19th – RACE NIGHT more details in next newsletter.

Everyone’s favourite – BINGO is back !!

Saturday October 22nd

Why not start the evening with a basket meal at 7.00 pm? – and eyes down at 8.00 pm.

Chicken or fish and chips £5.00 per person.  Booking and pre-payment required. Non-diners and non- members – no additional charge

And finally, a sneaky preview of Christmas at the Club. More Christmas information will be out soon.

Xmas Fayre Menu

AVAILABLE FROM 4TH TO 23RD DECEMBER

STARTERS

SEASONAL PATE SERVED WITH CRUSTY BREAD SALAD & CHUTNEY

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

DUO OF SMOKED SALMON SERVED WITH BLACK PEPPER CRACKERS

MAINS

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

TUNA LOIN STEAK SERVED WITH MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLES & NEW POTATOES

VEGETARIAN OPTION

  MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE WELLINGTON SERVED WITH SEASONAL VEGETABLES & NEW POTATOES

DESSERTS

LUXURY CHRISTMAS PUDDING SERVED WITH BRANDY SAUCE

STRAWBERRY & PROSECCO TRUFFLE SERVED WITH CREAM

 APPLE PIE SERVED WITH CREAM OR CUSTARD OR ICE CREAM

COFFEE & MINCE PIES                

  BOOKING REQUIRED

Open to Members and private parties              

PAYMENT REQUIRED AT TIME OF BOOKING

  3 COURSES plus Coffee and Mince Pies £19.95

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery

The lunch time carvery is back  – enjoy !

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 10th free

Please book with Miles in the usual way

Lunches

Wednesday to Saturday

12.0pm to 2.00 pm

Snooker Room

Book to avoid disappointment

Newark Conservative Club Bowls Section

An excellent season for the Bowls section. We finished equal top of the 2nd Division with Newark Town but relegated to 2nd place on shot difference, that’s the same as goal difference in football. Our Tuesday morning 5 4 3 2 1 has finished and the results will be published next month. We have been so lucky with the weather. The green has been scarified ready for the winter. The Committee will be meeting in early October and will be publishing details of the Christmas party in next month’s bulletin.

Our notice board still hasn’t had the light fixed. Tony 

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box (currently £110) – weekly at approx. 8.30pm.

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right (Ian recently won £310) and Kath’s Jackpot (currently £280) start at 10.00 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Sunday Night Quiz, Silly Question – congratulations go to Martin Glanville who won £40), Card Bingo and Ring the Bell. Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Ian, Kath, Sheila, Mark and Darren (Committee) If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address    

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – October 2022

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – August 2022

Dear Members

Since my last newsletter we have welcomed four new members to our Club.

A big welcome to Matt Bavin, Christopher Ellis, Robert Hall, Adam Sears. They will be playing on our snooker tables and I hope will also consider taking advantage of the other activities on offer at the Club such as Entertainment evenings. Any queries you may have do not hesitate to speak to myself, Tony or a member of the Committee.   

Committee business

Miles’s leave

Andrea and Miles are on leave from 30th August until the 14th September inclusive. During this period, we will have a relief Steward – Mr Jim Mc Auslan. Please make him feel welcome.

I need to confirm that, for this period only, the lunch time menu will be reduced. The Club will be opening at 7.00 pm, on Sundays the 4th and 11th September with no Sunday dinners available on those days. Similarly, breakfast will not be available on Saturdays the 3rd and 10th September. Please note that the Sunday and Wednesday Night quizzes will be unaffected.  

We apologise for any inconvenience these temporary arrangements may cause members.

Staff

Unfortunately, our recent recruit has decided not to return to work at the Club but I am assured that Miles has other “irons in the fire”. Watch this space. In the meantime, Miles is doing his very best to cover the shifts. We need to thank Andrea for her flexibility in covering gaps when needed.

Appropriate dress

I reported in the last Newsletter that the Committee had agreed to the wearing of tailored shorts in the Lounge during the period of hot weather. At our last meeting it was agreed that this should stand as an annual agreement for the period June to September inclusive. The Committee will not make another announcement on this subject unless deemed necessary

Winchilsea Avenue

In my last newsletter I promised to keep you updated on the sale of the flats in Winchilsea Avenue.

The Committee have engaged Richard Watkinson and Partners to sell the flats and they are now on the market. There has already been two viewings and we are currently considering the feedback. Hopefully it will not be too long before I have something positive to report to you on this front.

Committee Members

At the meeting on 17th August and at their request, the Committee agreed to co-opt Darren Willson and Mark Carter onto the Committee. Both were very active Committee members and Darren gives up a considerable amount of time to keep our snooker tables up to scratch whilst Mark handles the Health and Safety of the Club very efficiently.

The Committee has decided that both the offers below will continue.

Special Offer number 1 – for a limited period only

Somersby draught cider at the knock down price of £3.50 a pint.  

Special Offer number 2 – for a limited period only

Every Friday Night between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm all draught beers, lagers and ciders will be £3.00 per pint to include the Somersby cider.

At the time of writing both our guest beers are proving to be popular – Abbott Ale, a premium beer and London Glory.  

Past Events

On July 23rd Pat Campbell returned to the Club to entertain us with his singing. Thank you, Miles, for the buffet of cold meats, salad and chips. A thoroughly enjoyable evening with friends.

Those who attended the Chilli and Curry night on August 20th enjoyed a good night of tasty food and drink followed by a special quiz from Miles. These themed nights will be repeated from time to time and it is hoped that more members will give them a try.

Dates for your diary

 Don’t forget – you can book any event over the bar or by giving Miles a ring on 07738 628668

Saturday 17th September – This is advance notice that the Alexander Lounge will be closed to members from 4.00pm because of a private function. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Tuesday 20th September Open Forum 7.30pm   – the Committee will be present and Members are invited to come along to the Club for an opportunity to ask any questions or put forward any ideas you may have about the Club.

Friday 23rd September – MacMillan Coffee Morning. 10.00am – 12.30 pm Bring your friends and come along between 10.00am and 12.30 pm to support this very worthy cause.  Please see Miles, Andrea, Sheila Andrew or Betty Edlin if you wish to donate cakes etc and tombola prizes. Thank you

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery

Please note that the carvery will be temporarily suspended until September.

Usual lunch time menu will be in operation 

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 10th free

If you are feeling the heat cold salads will be available to accompany tuna loin steak, gammon or salmon. All with new potatoes 

Please book with Miles in the usual way

Lunches

Wednesday to Saturday

12.0pm to 2.00 pm

Snooker Room

Book to avoid disappointment

Wednesday Quiz and Open the Box (currently £110) – weekly at approx. 8.30pm.

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right ( currently £280) and Kath’s Jackpot ( currently £240) 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. (Our congratulations go to Martin Glanville who won the magnificent amount of £470 on Sunday 22nd August and to Jim Pacey who won £10 on the Silly question) Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Ian, Kath, Sheila, Mark and Darren (Committee) If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address    

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – October 2022

Newark Conservative Club Newsletter – July 2022

Dear Members

We have another three new members this month – welcome to Wendy Blackshaw, Stuart Willis and Susan Smith. I hope you soon settle in and feel at home in the Club. Any queries you may have do not hesitate to speak to myself, Tony or a member of the Committee.   

Our condolences go to the family and friends of Ronald Pestell – a life member – who passed away on 3rd July.

It is also my sad duty to report that Vaughan Wright passed away very suddenly on 14th July. Our condolences go to Sandra his wife and his family. Vaughan had been a member of this Club since 1969 and a committee member for 36 years. We will miss him greatly.

Committee business

Important reminder – I need to give you all advance warning that Andrea and Miles will be on annual leave from 30th August until the 14th September inclusive. The Committee have now agreed cover arrangements for this period in the form of a relief Steward. It is envisaged that, for this period only, the lunch time menu will be reduced. The Club will be opening at 7.00 pm, on Sundays the 4th and 11th September with no Sunday dinners available on those days. Similarly, breakfast will not be available on Saturdays the 3rd and 10th September.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause members.

You will be aware that, for some time now, we have been struggling to employ staff behind the Bar and to wait-on. The good news is that on Friday 15th July Mollie Allwood worked her first shift behind the Bar. Please, make her feel welcome.

The more observant members will see that we now have a sign advising you all that the Club will not take responsibility for lost property. So please ensure that you keep your property safe at all times whilst on Club premises.

Please note that, during the hot weather, it will be permissible to wear tailored shorts on the Club premises.

Finally, but most importantly I have to inform you that the Committee has recently agreed to sell the property on Winchilsea Avenue. It is our intention to sell the flats as tenanted properties if the current tenants choose to remain. Rest assured that this decision has been taken after thorough research and investigation. Those of you who attended the last AGM and had sight of the accounts on that occasion will be aware that the business is not doing well. In the current economic climate and despite the best efforts of Miles the Steward, the Committee and the support of the members it is difficult to foresee an upturn in fortune for the foreseeable future. The flats are in a state of disrepair and require an investment of funds that the Club does not have. Also, the government is soon to change the regulations governing the letting of property.

The Club, currently has no capital to invest in the upkeep of the building (the flats or Belvedere) or in developing the business. The plan is that this much needed capital can be raised by selling the flats on Winchilsea Avenue thus enabling us to pay off two loans – one of which was taken out a number of years ago and the other more recently as a result of the Covid pandemic. It is hoped that this will relieve some of the financial pressure on the business and provide us with ongoing capital for future investment in the business.  I will keep you updated as to progress in future newsletters.

Past Events

The Bingo on Saturday 25th June was well attended. Thanks to Tony and Dot for officiating. A good night was had by all.

Special Offer number 1 – for a limited period only

I hope that you are enjoying the opportunity of sampling Somersby draught cider at the knock down price of £3.50 a pint. What better way to keep yourself hydrated in this heatwave?

Special Offer number 2 – for a limited period only

 “Happy not 1 but 2 hours”  Every Friday Night between 7.00 pm and 9.00pm all draught beers, lagers and ciders will be £3.00 per pint to include the Somersby cider.

Dates for your diary

 Don’t forget – you can book any event over the bar or by giving Miles a ring on

07738 628668

Saturday 20th August

A “Chilli/Curry night

 £10.00 per person

Keralan Cauliflower and Red Pepper Curry V

Chicken Balti or Lamb Rogan Josh or Beef Madras

All served with a mini Naan Bread, Poppadom and Rice.

Beef Chilli with garlic bread and rice

Attention all Snooker Players – Food will also be available in the snooker room this evening. So, if you fancy a curry or chilli, please book your food when you are booking your snooker table.

Please book with Miles in the usual way

Weekly specials continue to prove popular:

Thursday Lunch-time Carvery

Please note that the carvery will be temporarily suspended until September.

Usual lunch time menu will be in operation 

 

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 10th free

If you are feeling the heat cold salads will be available to accompany tuna loin steak, gammon or salmon. All with new potatoes 

Lunches

Wednesday to Saturday

12.0pm to 2.00 pm

Snooker Room

Book to avoid disappointment

Please note that 5s and 3s Dominoes scheduled for Thursday 28th July is cancelled. Richard and Monica apologise but have a prior engagement

:

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

 

Friday night Meat Draw, Play your Cards Right and Kath’s Jackpot (which currently stands at £180) 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. (prize money currently £430) Please note that this event starts at 8.30 pm. Filled cobs will be available to purchase from behind the Bar.

Best wishes

Ruth, (Chairwoman) Tony, (Secretary) Helen, (Treasurer) Alan, Ian, Kath, Sheila, (Committee) If you want to contact the Committee, please email at info@newarkconservativeclub.org or write to us at the Club address