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Social media polices prove a cause for concern
Businesses in the hospitality industry are leaving themselves exposed to risk when it comes to social media, according to the 2015/16 Social Media at Work Survey conducted by specialist food lawyers Roythornes and marketing and PR agency, Pelican Communications.
Now in its fifth year, the survey – which polls a wide range of businesses in the food sector – asks about policies and practices in relation to social media use in the workplace.
This year’s results show that despite around 80% of businesses having some form of online presence, 26% have no policy in place on how social media should be used, leaving them open to reputation management issues.
In addition, the survey reveals that the number of firms allowing staff to use their own devices to carry out workrelated social media activity has increased significantly from 30% in 2012 to 53% this year.
This increase, however, is not reflected in the number of companies introducing controls over what employees can do on social media channels while in the workplace according to the survey. Just 38% of businesses say they have policies governing use of personal devices in place.
Maz Dannourah, head of the Food and Drink team at Roythornes, said: “It’s great to see the large increase in the of businesses monitoring their online presence over the last four years; 90% of respondents now keep an eye on what is being said about them online compared to just 66% in 2012. However there is always room for improvement and I can’t stress strongly enough the importance of having quality policies and procedures.”
Moderate drinkers wanted
Heineken’s ‘Moderate Drinkers Wanted’ campaign, part of the company’s ‘Enjoy Heineken Responsibly’ commitment, is based on new global research into the drinking attitudes of millennial consumers, which shows that 75% of millennials will now limit the amount of alcohol they drink on the majority of their nights out.
David Lette, Heineken Brand Director said: “This research highlights that young adults are choosing to drink in moderation and to remain in control on a night out. With
the prevalence of social media, these consumers are increasingly conscious of their ‘personal brand’ and do not want to be associated with behaviours likely to damage it. Therefore when they are with friends, enjoying a drink, quality over quantity is a natural choice. Our campaign provides an opportunity to drive sales value by offering premium brands for consumers to trade up to, treating themselves to one or two more premium drinks, rather than purchase a higher volume of lower value drinks.”
£22,000 granted to Trust for Let’s Get Active project Money seized from criminals has been awarded to Wigan Athletic FC’s Wigan Athletic Community Trust and Skelmersdale Action for Youth by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.
The £22,000 that has been awarded to the Trust will go towards the Let’s Get Active project, which offers young people from Skelmersdale the opportunity to take part in football and sports free of charge in a supervised and safe environment.
The project will work to engage with the hardest to reach young people in an effort to reduce anti-social and criminal behaviour, by offering them a chance to take part in positive and constructive activities.
Wes Partington, Sports and Cohesion Manager for Wigan Athletic Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue the football and multi-sport sessions in Skelmersdale for another year thanks to the Lancashire Crime Commissioner. The project will continue to meet the needs of young people by providing sports opportunities right on their doorstep.”
Wigan Athletic Community Trust is among 15 groups to benefit from almost £500,000 that was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and is being used to support a wide range of projects across the county.
Commissioner Grunshaw said: “I’m really pleased to have had the chance to meet some of the people who will be putting this money to good use right across Lancashire.
“I think the best way to use this money is to put it back into the community at grass roots levels, to those organisations who are helping vulnerable young people, reducing crime or providing support for victims in line with my Police and Crime Plan.
For more details about the Let’s Get Active project, contact Wes Partington on 01942 488 530 or email w.partington@wiganathletic.com. • Read more at http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/ news/article/community-fundingpolice-and-crime-commissioner3007144.aspx#D3R5doOT7uYbW5cK.99
Marc Newey becomes 2016 CMAE President Marc Newey CCM, Chief Executive of London’s Roehampton Club, has become President of the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE).
Marc said: “I am delighted to have been appointed President; it is a great honour to lead such a progressive organisation. The work the Association has done in recent years to bring high quality executive education to club managers has been exceptional, as our Management Development Programmes go from strength to strength with an ever increasing number of attendees.”
CMAE plans to grow delivery of Management Development Programmes and to strengthen regional networking. The association also wants to become more inclusive.
“Since starting our Management Development Programmes in 2011 we have received a tremendous response from our City Club and Golf Club Members. I’m now very keen to build on that and become even more inclusive, getting more sports clubs involved so they too can derive the benefits of the high quality education programmes we deliver.” • Editor’s note: For more information on the CMAE visit Club Mirror’ssister title, Clubhouse Europe
Club Awards 2016 Call for Entries
Calling all clubs: the deadline for entries into the 2016 Club Awards is 30 June.
“With entries coming in from clubs all around the country, we urge clubs of all sizes and affiliations to enter the 2016 Awards,” said Club Mirror’sCaroline Scoular. “It’s a unique event for the club industry and we are determined to ensure that
clubs continue to get the recognition that they deserve.”
The Club Awards, now in their 25th year, will take place at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on 24 November at The Palace Hotel, Manchester.
• Turn to page 18 for more details.
Over £300m-worth of profits being lost
A potential £333m-worth of profits on draught beer sales are being lost as a result of quality issues according to The Beer Quality Report 2016.
According to the new report outlets are losing an average profit of £6,416 per year thanks to quality issues impacting on pouring and till yields. Prime amongst these issues was line cleanliness; only 71% of beer lines analysed were found to be perfectly clean, which, says the report, can result in an average loss of 50 barrels per year when compared to an outlet cleaning lines as recommended.
The report combined key data and insights from Cask Marque and Vianet drawn from a consumer survey, from Cask Marque’s annual visits to more than 20,000 licensed premises and from Vianet’s 24/7 quality measures.
Steven Alton, managing director of Vianet, said: “The report shines a light on the crucial but sometimes misunderstood issue of yields. The findings show that the industry as a whole is not achieving the beer yields it should because of multiple reasons around beer quality – issues including frequency of cleaning of beer lines, low throughputs on individual taps, beer being kept at the wrong temperature, equipment failures and maintenance issues, dirty glassware and beer being poured incorrectly.
Other key report findings include: • 60% of consumers would rather be offered a smaller range of beers served at better quality than to have a bigger choice. • 72% of consumers if served a poor quality beer would not drink it, would complain and ask for a different product. • 87% of cask handpulls have a low throughput - dispensing less than 144 pints per week. • Wales and the West Country is where beer quality is at its best. • Consumers are most likely to be served a pint at the ideal serving temperature in York and least likely in Wakefield.
Global packaging redesign for Jim Beam As of mid-2016, the Jim Beam portfolio will have a unified, premium look in more than 100 markets around the world. Maxxium UK is rolling out the new packs from March, beginning with Jim Beam Bourbon followed by Jim Beam flavours, including Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Maple and Red Stag by Jim Beam, Jim Beam Rye and Jim Beam Devil’s Cut. The redesign will contemporise the Jim Beam brand while celebrating its heritage at a time when American Whiskey is performing at +9.6% MAT volume in the UK. •Information at Jim Beam Twitter page @JimBeamUK
New addition to Edinburgh Gin range Seaside Gin (43% ABV) will now join Edinburgh Gin Original (43% ABV) and Navy Strength Cannonball (57% ABV) as part of the distiller’s permanent portfolio. The gin is distilled with foraged seaweed, scurvy grass and ground ivy, creating a sweet and refreshing salinity. •www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk
Lagavulin Distillery celebrates 200 years Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo which owns the Lagavulin Distillery, visited Islay to officially announce the 200th Anniversary year. He joined distillery staff in selecting a rare cask of Lagavulin to be used to raise funds for community benefit. In March the company announced a new Lagavulin 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky limited edition in honour of Alfred Barnard, the Victorian whisky writer who sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay in the 1880s, describing it as ‘exceptionally fine’.
Hi-Spirits to distribute Southern Comfort and Tuaca Hi-Spirits is to distribute Southern Comfort and Tuaca in the UK following the acquisition of the two leading speciality brands by US spirits company Sazerac.
Dan Bolton, managing director of Hi-Spirits, said: “Southern Comfort and Tuaca are both iconic brands, and a great fit with our expanding portfolio. With strong consumer followings we are looking forward to building further distribution across the UK on-trade, off-trade and travel retail channels.” •www.hi-spirits.com
Tequila Fortaleza launches in the UK IndieBrands has been appointed the official UK distributor for luxury Mexican Tequila brand Fortaleza, the premium tequila from Guillermo Sauza’s family distillery.
The Tequila takes its name from ‘La Fortazela’ the 100-year-old boiler that was brought out of retirement from the family museum by Guillermo Sauza to make the handcrafted, artisan tequilas. • www.indiebrands.co.uk
Real ale awards for Devon club
Tiverton Constitutional Club Club President Neil Parish MP joined Club Treasurer Phil Gibbs, Fellow of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) to celebate two real ale awards, the Greene King Quality Assured Cask Ale Plaque and the Certificate of Excellence for Cask Ales from Cask Marque. The Certificate of Excellence has been issued until 28 February, 2017. Phil Gibbs said: “The Tiverton Constitutional Club is an Accredited Premier Training Centre and co-ordinates 14 BIIAB Licensed trade courses, one of the most important is Beer & Cellar Quality.”
Pictured (left to right): Club President Neil Parish MP for Tiverton & Honiton and Phil Gibbs FBII Club Treasurer.
Ultimate Award for Celtic Manor Celtic Manor Resort has been awarded the title of Ultimate Golf Resort at the annual 59 Club Golf Service Awards, held at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Warwickshire.
Ten other clubs received Gold Flag Awards including The Grove, Stoke Park Country Club, Wentworth and The Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club.
National Golf Month
May’s National Golf Month launches at the Houses of Parliament on April 27 with a chipping/putting competition for MPs, Peers and school children.
The initiative is operated through Parliament’s All-Party Group for Golf, the official body responsible for promoting the sport of golf and golf clubs. •For more information visit www.nationalgolfmonth.com
International Symposium comes to London
The Club Managers Association of America’s BMI International Symposium takes place in London, 6-11 October.
The line-up of international speakers includes Sir Clive Woodward, Head Coach of the 2003 England Rugby World Cup winning team, tennis ace Boris Becker, Javier Riviriego, General Manager at Valderrama Golf Club, Spain, and Martin Guntrip, Club Director, All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Attendees will also be invited to visit a number of high profile clubs, including the Royal Automobile Club, Caledonian Club, Roehampton Club and the All England Lawn Tennis Club. •For more information visit www.clubhouseeurope.com
All for charity Programme forms the bottom tier, our Schools of Excellence forms the second tier, and our careers in sport forms the top tier. All our work, donations and volunteering go into supporting this pyramid structure. Play We believe every man, woman and child has the right to play sport. Sport has the ability not only to promote fitness, self-esteem and fair play, but also to deliver opportunity, choice and hope. However, for many living in poverty or isolation, access to sport is a privilege not a right. We provide access to sport and play-based activities for disadvantaged communities by providing the essentials they need to get started. We sponsor talented athletes to attend Schools of Sporting Excellence and train dedicated community coaches. We provide the sports equipment, facilities and training kids need so that anyone, no matter what their ability, can enjoy the benefits of sport and play. Tackle Sport is an effective means of bringing people together to tackle important life issues and bring about lasting change. We use the power of sport to bring people together to discuss and tackle the wider social, economic and cultural challenges such as poor education and training, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and gender inequality. From delivering life skills and HIV awareness training to schools and increasing the involvement of women in community sports to providing top level educational opportunities, we work hard to tackle the barriers of development to improve the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people and bring about real and lasting change. •For more information visit www.unitedthroughsport.org “We are committed to using sport as a tool to develop disadvantaged and vulnerable youth. We do this by: • Using direct sports coaching – for its health benefits, improved emotional well-being and increased life skills (teamwork, leadership, decision making, communication). • Using sport to discuss critical issues – by delivering curriculums on topics such as
HIV/AIDS awareness in a fun and interactive manner on the sports field. • Using sport for improved education – by providing pathways to success for talented and dedicated individuals through scholarships to top local schools and tertiary education. What We Do United Through Sport supports two core programmes, built up by a number of projects in each country we work in. The first is our Mass Participation Programme which gives thousands of disadvantaged kids the chance to play and enjoy the sports they love. The second is our Schools of Excellence (Junior and Senior) programme which provide toplevel coaching and academic schooling for aspiring athletes. How we do it United Through Sport is built on a clear pyramid structure. Our Mass Participation United Through Sport United Through Sport helps disadvantaged communities reach their full potential in sport, education and health in Africa and South America (and launching in Asia soon). This is their story. Supported by
World Conference for club managers
The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) held its 89th World Conference in San Diego on 21-25 February. The annual conference tackles issues and opportunities common to clubs of all types and in all countries. Mike Braidwood, Director of Education at the Club Managers Association of Europe, invited colleagues and attendees to review the annual event.
During the action-packed five day Conference, some 2,000 delegates enjoyed over 90 education sessions delivered by club and business leaders.
In addition to the education sessions, a two day expo presented the opportunity to meet with suppliers to the club industry and to gem up on latest innovations and services.
Kevin Fish CCM, Golf Services Manager, Scottish Golf, Scotland My 10th World Conference has come and gone, and once again it will be the week of the year that has the biggest impact on me. It’s no surprise to me that I feel that I do most of my best work in the months straight after the Conference when I am super-charged about this journey we are on to change the perception of club management in Europe.
San Diego Conference Centre
At the Conference I noticed that one core competency continues to feature more frequently than any other; it is, of course, Club Governance. Ten years after first being introduced to the subject, it continues to pack delegates into seminars, workshops and panel discussions, reflecting just how challenging a task it is for club managers to get this area of club business right.
I can categorically confirm that our teaching of this subject in Europe remains in line with current thinking in the States, but I do want to share one important distinction made by industry leader Kurt Kuebler CCM who highlighted that there are two things evident in the successful clubs he works with, and they are in this order: 1. Membership satisfaction levels. 2. Effective club governance and organisational structure.
He observed that if this primary key performance indicator is in place, and the members are entirely happy, then club governance is quite rightly relegated to second place. But if the club is not in that happy position then it all comes back to effective club governance to help put in place the structures and protocols to achieve those satisfaction levels that dictate your club’s success.
Russell Stebbing, General Manager, Farleigh Fox, England This was my first World Conference and the experience was exceptional. To pinpoint one session would be hard; I gained so much from so many. Listening to the likes of Jim James, Gregg Patterson and Damon DiOrio who have managed such great clubs was not only interesting but engaging and such a great learning experience.
The biggest learning experience I took with me came on the last day and really pulled my week together. Sitting in Steve Graves’s session reflecting on his Top 10 methods to retain members. Top of the list? ‘Let members win’. It made me realise what the whole week had been about. Not only did it open my eyes to how I can develop and run my club more efficiently, it also gave me lots of different tools and techniques to assist with this process. By applying the experience to my club, members, staff, the company and myself all win.
John Lawler, Manager, Rathfarnham Club, Ireland From my perspective The Top Ten Methods of Membership Retention from Steve Graves, Creative Golf Marketing and Management, was the most useful session. Too often, we focus on attracting new members without necessarily addressing the outflow of existing members. Equally, we work so hard to bring a new member from enquiry to conversion that we perhaps move on too quickly to the next potential applicant without ensuring that the journey of the new member is as expected. Are all of the things we promised at the sales stage being provided? Are their expectations being met? Steve also pointed out that the division of attention amongst members is important. Every club has members who visit frequently as well as less frequent visitors; both need attention. For those who come to the club regularly a small thank you goes a long way (discounted rounds, food vouchers etc). But what about the ‘at risk members’? Those who we rarely see but still accept the annual subscription from? Again, Steve advised, small tokens or phone calls could make all
Lidia Munoz (who was also presented with her Club Management Diploma at the Conference) and Mike Braidwood.
ciating and working hard for the members that we have, and not taking their continued participation for granted.
John Lawler (right) with John Roche of CGI (left).
the difference between retaining and losing their membership. Overall his message was one of appre
Sharon Heeley, Senior Regional Manager, England Golf, England My favourite education session was Building your brand by driving excellence, presented by Jim James, Augusta National. Jim talked about the importance of giving attention to every single detail, every single day. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain standards, from clearing away cigarette stubs to changing light bulbs. To achieve these standards, Jim has a process for everything – including a 7-step process to clean a toilet! He believes that people are the most important asset within a club but only if they understand the process, which accounts for 70% of service delivery.
The importance of this approach is highlighted by The Masters Tournament. Nothing is contracted out for this event. Everything is run by Augusta National, including 27 kitchens, 40 dining venues and a range of concession stands. Jim demands certain characteristics from the people he recruits for the event including integrity, judgement, humility, passion, loyalty, vision and intelligence (i.e. the ability to get the job done). Every member of staff is given a clear process, the tools, the autonomy, trust and support, to deliver customer service at the very highest level. With just two days of training, the staff team deliver a world class experience.
Perhaps if we all invested more time in our staff and created clear processes for them to follow, we would have happier, thriving teams and improved customer service. A favourite mantra? Sheik Mohammed: ‘In the race for excellence there is no finish line.’
Live UEFA Champions League Exclusive to BT Sport
To get BT Sport in your venue call 0800 678 1061 or visit btsport.com/business
LOCATION REPORT Spotlight on Norfolk & Suffolk
Norfolk and Suffolk attract hordes of tourists each year, keen to explore the Norfolk Broads and to enjoy the spectacular Heritage Coast. But the region is a lot more than a haven for holiday-makers, as clubs in the region clearly show.
BURY ST EDMUNDS FARMERS CLUB Bury St Edmunds The Bury St Edmunds Farmers Club is a relatively young 69 years old. Its clubhouse, however, dates back several centuries with medieval origins. The atmospheric building has a bar and lounge with snooker tables, as well as numerous private rooms and private function facilities, from the Committee Room (seating 12) to the Conference Room (up to 60 people theatre style).
The club offers a range of membership options; Individual, Dual, Company, Country, Start-up Business, all available with parking options in the club's secure town centre car park.
Membership benefits include: • Secure private parking within the town centre. • Fine Dining in the elegant Regency Restaurant. • A full social calendar including additional seasonal events. • Informal dining in the historic oak panelled
Jacobean Lounge & Bar. • Picturesque terrace and secluded gardens. • Dining and function rooms for private entertaining. • Directory of members' incentives. • The club serves lunches Monday through
Saturday and dinners on Tuesdays and Fridays. • Discounted prices for dining and functions. • Friendly and attentive service, within relaxed and stylish surrounds. • Access to Reciprocal Clubs throughout the UK and overseas.
Members are kept busy across the year with an assortment of activities. (As we went to press they were enjoying a celebreation of St Patrick's Day and a German Night).
NORFOLK – FAST FACTS Population: At 859,400 it is the 10th lowest density county in the country with 40% of its population living in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Thetford. Area: 5,371km (2,074 sq miles) Food:Cromer crab, Colman’s mustard, sugar beet, Norfolk turkey Interesting info:The first international title boxing fight, the Champion of England, reportedly took place in Harleston, near Diss, in 1751. Sir William Cubitt invented and patented self-regulating windmill sails at Horning in 1807, allowing them to operate automatically. Britain’s first holiday camp (1906) was at Caister-on-Sea in Norfolk. Great Yarmouth became the first British town bombed in WWI by Zeppelins whose actual target was Hull Famous sons:Horatio Nelson, James Dyson, Robert Walpole and Bernard Matthews all hail from Norfolk.
THE IPSWICH AND SUFFOLK CLUB Ipswich The Ipswich and Suffolk Club was established in 1885 and is housed in a former monastery dating back to the 1500s.
The club has a bridge section which meets every Tuesday morning before lunch in the club restaurant and a snooker section which plays informally on a daily basis and throughout the year in club and interclub competitions. There is also an active golf section.
Other social events include, for example, Scrabble Evenings with Supper, Speakers Lunch (Field Marshal Haig – Lion or Donkey?), First Aid Day (training course) and The Great Pudding Night, with savoury and sweet puddings from Britain and around the world.
The restaurant and bar offer both traditional silver service and bistro style dining. There are currently around 500 members. Membership fees range from £265.46 (Junior) to £538.21 (Basic Joint Membership).
DISS RUGBY CLUB Diss Diss Rugby Club was founded in 1958 by a band of enthusiasts. Their first ever recorded match was against Norwich City College, who not only lent them shirts but also a player to make up the numbers. Ten years on and the club was offered a lease on its present ground which it subsequently bought (as well as leasing more land for a third pitch). This is where it built the present clubhouse in the ‘80s (and raised £30,000 in 2008 to renovate it).
Earlier this year, Local MP Richard Bacon joined 200 club members and officials to formally open the club's newly refurbished Gymnasium, designed to help improve fitness as well as providing a facility for the rehabilitation of injured players.
There are now over 400 playing members, with several Juniors having played for England. The club has built a reputation for hospitality (and teas). On the social side, events include Annual Dinners, lunches, clay pigeon shoots and cocktail evenings, while the rugby focus is evident in the busy fixtures list, training camps and rugby tours.
THE NORFOLK CLUB Norwich The Norfolk Club can trace its roots back to 1770 when a ‘Select Number of intimate friends in the County of Norfolk (not exceeding fourteen)’ agreed to dine together regularly. This society became The Norfolk Club in 1864 which moved into its current premises in late 1887.
Moving with the times, a telephone was installed in 1893, an incandescent gas light put in the Billiard Room in 1895 and in 1896 electric light was provided in the basement. In 1926 the club bought a wireless set and in 1930, minutes record that a ‘Hoover’ was demonstrated in the Morning Room (and subsequently purchased).
A racquets court was also built (later to be replaced by the present squash court) while a bowling green and garden have since been replaced by the car park.
The membership base of nearly 600 includes over 70 ladies - ladies being allowed full membership since 1993; there have been four lady presidents since that time – and three members of the Royal Family. Royalty are, in fact, no strangers to the club. In 1883 the Prince of Wales became an Honorary Member and visited the club in 1896 with The Duke and Duchess of York. In 1932 HM Queen Mary visited the club as did The Duke of Edinburgh in 2008.
Food features highly at the club, with the Dining Room open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Saturday, and in the evenings for functions. The extensive menu features local seasonal produce. Morning pastries, snacks and afternoon teas are also available at the club bar which is staffed by a duty steward throughout club opening hours. Coffee is also served in the club’s Library, a room which is used for functions (it will comfortably hold 70). The club also has six bedrooms (two ensuite).
A snapshot of monthly activities includes city walks, an Arts & Antiques event, special interest lunches and lunches for new members.
ACLE INDOOR BOWLS Norwich Acle Indoor Bowls was founded in 1993, an important addition to the Acle Recreation Centre. Members and guests can enjoy hot drinks and a full bar service in the Bowls Lounge or in the Recreation Centre Bar. Meals and snacks are also valuable revenue streams.
Beginners are encouraged to join with free hire of equipment and shoes, as well as free coaching. Members can join in a broad selection of internal leagues run throughout club opening hours (day and evening) as well as ‘roll up’ sessions, open to all-comers. Club, county and national competitions are also part of the club’s fabric.
A club steward is always on hand in the bowls lounge to help members and guests get the best out of their visit. Annual Membership is £35 for adults (includes social club membership) and £10 for Juniors (who must be under 18 and in full time education).
ROYAL NORFOLK & SUFFOLK YACHT CLUB Lowestoft Founded in 1859, the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club is housed in a Grade 2 listed building with its own marina. The club also has nine letting bedrooms as well as an invaluable web cam and weather station.
This year, and under the auspices of its first ever Lady Commodore, Ruth Davies, the club will be part of the UK’s beacon-lighting celebrations for the Queen's 90th Birthday on April 21st.
An extensive menu is available from breakfast onwards, including interesting menu items such as Blythburgh Pork Belly with Bubble & Squeak, Apple & Black Pudding Faggot and Cider Jus (£9.50) and a
Lasagne of Butternut Squash, Spinach & Mushroom, with Salad and Garlic Bread (£10).
An active programme of social events includes a Bridge Club for all levels, a Book Club and (as we went to press), St Patrick's Day and St George's Day celebrations as well as a Fitting Out Supper to celebrate the start of the boating season.
The club is an accredited RYA Training Centre and is well versed in organising regattas and championship events.
Founded in 1884, the club moved into its current Aldiss Park site in 1996. Its first full season at Aldiss Park (1997/98) saw the club – AKA ‘The Magpies’ – gain Eastern Counties League status, winning a first Anglian Combination Premier Division title. The club’s first promotion since then came last year, when the Magpies won the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Premier Division title. With the necessary ground improvements in place, promotion to the Ryman League was secured.
The ground has covered seating for 150 and standing for 125 with free parking for 300 cars.
The club has one of the largest fully accessible and licensed bar facilities in non league football, and boasts a wide range of locally-sourced hot and cold food on match days. The club function room is proving a good source of income and – for example – was booked out every day in December last year.
Season tickets costs: Adults: £60-£160. Concessions: £30-£60. Membership: Single £15.00, joint £25.00.
UEA RUGBY CLUB Norwich UEA’s Rugby Club has expanded its activities to now include touch rugby, enabling those who prefer to avoid physical tackling to enjoy the sport.
As a result of this inclusive move, previous players can now become playing members again, adding revenues to the club and bar (publisher Sean Ferris being just one of these, just back from an Old Boys tag match as above.)
