AT THE HEART OF THE RUGBY COMMUNITY
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Club Rugby’s 2020 checkli s t Join up, join in Keep up to dat
e at http://ww w.clubrugby.o rg.uk Share news on twitter.com/C lubmirrorrugb y Rugby Tonight screening - sig n up Rugby Tonight House of Com
pictures - use t
mons – Septem
Awards open f or e New year, new s
his QR code
ber 10
ntries – Febru
ary 14
upplier?
Check out the fr ee service for c ost savings New club for c lubs – join up Nominate the club’s best liv e
acts
Contents AWARDS, EVENTS AND CALLS TO ACTION
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18 Supplier Awards Which brands are earning their place at your club’s bar? A sneak preview of the exciting new 2020 Awards.
20 Hospitality Social Media Awards Facebook aficionado? Web Wizard? Then it’s time to enter the 2020 Hospitality Social Media Awards!
24 Clubhouse Awards Belong to any great golf clubs? Then nominate them for the Clubhouse Awards! It’s their time to shine.
26 Club Act of the Year
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So you think your entertainment is among the best in the country? Then it’s time to nominate your Club Act of the Year.
06 News Latest news, views and industry insights. From the WWE Royal Rumble and EFL games to nighttime economy security, supplier news, new Awards and events launch for readers.
29 Welcome to the Club Awards For those of you who couldn’t be with us for the club event of the year, join us here as we revisit a night of celebration at the 28th Club Awards. 30 And the winners are... 34 Roll of Honour. 37 Community Club of the Year. 38 Marketing Club of the Year. 38 Website of the Year. 39 Social Media Club of the Year. 40 Entertainment Club of the Year. 41 Music Club of the Year. 41 Family Club of the Year. 42 Green Club of the Year. 43 Turnover Club of the Year. 44 Business Initiative of the Year. 44 Innovative Club of the Year. 45 Catering Club of the Year. 45 Golf Catering Club of the Year. 46 Golf Club of the Year (under £1m turnover). 47 Golf Club of the Year (over £1m turnover). 48 Rugby Club of the Year. 48 Cricket Club of the Year. 49 Bowls Club of the Year. 49 Tennis Club of the Year. 50 Sports Club of the Year. 51 Football Club of the Year. 52 Sports and Social Club of the Year. 53 Darts Club of the Year. 54 Traditional Club of the Year. 55 Membership Club of the Year. 55 Charity Club of the Year. 56 Refurbishment Club of the Year. 57 Committee of the Year. 59 Bar Manager/Steward of the Year. 60 CAMRA’s Real Ale Club of the Year. 61 Manager/Secretary of the Year. 62 King of Clubs.
NEWS, VIEWS, CLUB LIFE AND LEGISLATION
08 Spreading the word – whazzup? We take a whirlwind tour of clubs around the county in the fastest way possible – by social media.
11 News Special Midlife drinkers (45 - 64) are showing a greater interest in low and no alcohol, up 51% when compared to 2017, says research from independent alcohol education charity Drinkaware.
12 HQ Building the Business
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This month: Hospitality Action launches industry-wide Mental Health Campaign; protecting club outbuildings against theft. Plus: the truth behind Veganuary.
14 Sport listings Sister title Sports4Bars.com presents February’s key live sporting fixtures in a nutshell.
64 It’s classified! Showcasing club-supporting suppliers.
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LEADER
Contributors
Committed to clubs So here we are in 2020 and already racing through a calendar brimming with key club events. So here comes the link!
Chris Colverd
Toby Evans
Sean Ferris
Karen Foreman
David Foster
Phil Gray
Jonathan Hardy
David Lucas
Justin O’Regan
Victoria Romero-Trigo
Doug Rubashow
Jill Slingsby
As you’ll see from this month’s cover, we’ve been busy ramping up events for the whole of this year across the country, with the help of readers, club-supporting suppliers and club associations. Top of the agenda come the 29th Club Awards, applauding all of you clubs who continue to do such a great job for your members. The Awards open for entries on February 14. In the meantime, you can catch a flavour of last year’s event on pages 29-36, or you can watch the 2019 ceremony at www.clubmirror.com/Live. For clubs with a social media drive, there’s the Hospitality Social Media Awards, taking place once again at the spectacular House of Commons on September 10 (pages 20-21). Feeling confident? Get the date in your diary! New launches include Club Act of the Year (pages 26-27), designed to showcase the volume and variety of live entertainment put on week in week out across the country (get your nominations in). Also new for 2020 comes the Supplier Awards (see pages 18-19 for more details), and for you golf clubs out there, the Clubhouse Awards are looking forward to welcoming your entry. In short (or shortish!) our club-focussed magazines, our websites, our social media, our confidential better buying service and our networking events are all geared up to providing you with all the business support that we can. We’re also creating opportunities to celebrate and network with the very best of the best in the UK, so be sure to plug into as many of these as you possibly can. Congratulations to you all for doing what you do. Let’s make 2020 count!
Caroline Scoular Group Editor
Editor Caroline Scoular Design David Foster Events Jill Slingsby, Karen Foreman, Guy Brennan Display Advertising Margaret Doherty Sales and Marketing Manager Leigh-Ann Ogilvie Circulation Jon Hardy Accounts Andrew Soles Publishing Director Sean Ferris
Club Mirror is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing Ltd, Gainsborough House, 59/60 Thames Street, Windsor SW4 1TX. Tel: 01753 272022. Fax: 01753 272 021 Email: caroline@clubmirror.com; sean@clubmirror.com; leigh-ann@alchemymedia.co.uk; info@clubmirror.com
ACP Gainsborough House 59/60 Thames Street Windsor Berkshire SL4 1TX UK t. +44 (0)1753 272022 f. +44 (0)1753 272021 e.info@alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk www.alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk The views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Club Mirror does not verify the claims made by advertisers regarding their products.
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CLUB NEWS
WANT MORE INFORMATION? For more in-depth information on any news stories in this issue use this QR code.
Take a bow! Club Act of the Year 2020 gets set to storm the stage The Club Act of the Year Award has been launched in a drive to showcase clubland’s exceptional entertainment line-up, simultaneously acting as a UK-wide membership drive. From comedy acts to bands, duos and soloists, we’ll be judging all entries and announcing category finalists, winners and then, the ultimate Club Act of the Year. Clubs are encouraged to nominate up to three of their most popular acts, from hysterical comedians to phenomenal tribute acts. The nominating club of the winning Club Act of the Year wins £500.
BT Sport becomes exclusive live broadcaster of WWE in UK BT Sport has announced a multi-year agreement with WWE which sees WWE’s weekly flagship programming available exclusively on BT Sport in the UK and Ireland from January this year. This includes the 2020 edition of the Royal Rumble (January 26) where WWE Superstars compete to win the right to a World Championship match at WrestleMania 36. The partnership includes creating new content and driving reach across digital and social media platforms. Sky Sports – six more live EFL games Sky Sports have announced six more EFL games to be shown live in February and March. Cardiff and Nottingham Forest (7.45pm) meet in South Wales on Tuesday, February 25, while two games will be shown a day later on Wednesday, February 26 - as Millwall host Birmingham and Middlesbrough face Leeds (both 7.45pm kick-offs). There is more action the weekend after as Hull face Leeds for a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday, February 29, a League One clash between promotion-chasing Coventry and Sunderland (12pm) on Sunday, March 1, and a Monday night game between Middlesbrough and Nottingham 6
• For more details turn to page 26
Chilvers Automatics joins the Dransfields family Dransfields has announced its acquisition of Essex-based gaming and amusement machine supplier Chilvers Automatics Limited. Chilvers’ Managing Director Mark Davie joins the company in a newly created role as Business Development Director. Dransfields Managing Director Chris Haley said: “I have known Mark and Chilvers Automatics for approximately 15 years and I know that he is an excellent operator. I look forward to us working together to maximise growth for our customers.” In 2019 Dransfields joined forces with the UK’s largest independent gaming machine manufacturer Reflex Gaming, after acquiring the entire issued share capital of Gameco Holdings Limited. “Mark is joining Dransfields at a very exciting time,” said Haley. “Following the acquisition of Reflex Gaming and the appointment of Claire Naylor as Client
Dransfields MD Chris Haley (right) welcomes Mark Davie into his role as new Business Development Director
Services Director there is real momentum, with machine trials taking place with many of the larger retailers and Reflex GamePro leading the industry performance tables.” The acquisition also expands Dransfields’ geographical coverage, with the merging of its Norwich depot into the Chilvers depot in Colchester, Essex.
CBE for DIAGEO Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Syl Saller, Diageo,has been awarded a CBE for services to business and equality in the workplace. Saller has led Diageo’s drive for progressive gender portrayal in advertising and the championing of inclusion and diversity. Diageo was ranked the number one business globally for gender equality in the Equileap 2019 Gender Equality Report, and number two in the 2019 Refinitiv Diversity & Inclusion index. President of the Marketing Society since 2016, Saller has helped lead an industry agenda on ‘Brave Leadership’, enabling candid discussions on equality, confidence and mental health in business. She has also worked with the UN Women convened Unstereotype Alliance.
Night-time economy scheme relaunches Drinkaware’s Drinkaware Crew scheme has been relaunched as Nightlife Crew, a new structure that includes five different training offers to extend the scheme into a wider range of environments. The relaunch follows an evaluation of the scheme, first launched in 2015, which has to date been activated in clubs and bars in 21 areas across the country. Nightlife Crew is available as a complete package of five training modules: • Club Crew: Training for dedicated members of staff in a club or pub, whose role is to promote a positive social environment and identify and support customers who may become vulnerable. • Lead Crew: Training for managers and supervisors, equipping them to support customers. • Support Crew: E-learning for all staff to raise awareness of vulnerability in venues. • Festival Crew: Adapted training for dedicated members of staff to support festival-goers, • Street Crew: Training for dedicated volunteers within local communities, helping them to support people on the streets rather than in venues, and to create a safer environment. Contact nightlifecrew@drinkaware.co.uk for more information.
Call for entries – Hospitality Social Media Awards launch Clubs of all shapes, types and sizes are invited to enter the 2020 Hospitality Social Media Awards, the only pan-industry awards designed to celebrate licensed outlets who are using social media to build their business. Following last year’s celebrated event, the Awards will again be held at the House of Commons at an exclusive ceremony in the stunning Terrace Room overlooking the River Thames. Last year saw hundreds of entries from all forms of hospitality imaginable - from social clubs and football clubs to rugby clubs and sports clubs and from pubs and bars, to hotels and restaurants. So whatever your club, whether you’re a
Leicestershire County Cricket Club – Sports Club of the Year 2019
Formby Golf Club – Golf Club of the Year 2019
South Shields FC – Football Club of the Year 2019
Canterbury Rugby Club – Rugby Club of the Year 2019
Northern FC – Community Club of the Year 2019
Wortley Men’s Club – Community Club of the Year 2019
prolific tweeter or a facebook aficionado, we’re waiting for your entry.
•Turn to page 20 for more details and a flavour of what’s in store.
Low/no alcohol drinks All for charity make Dry January easier
Suppor ted
by
Hospitality Action
As millions of people embarked on a Dry January, research from independent alcohol education charity Drinkaware has revealed that two-thirds (66%) of midlife drinkers – aged 45 to 64 – have drunk, or would try, lower strength alcoholic drinks – an increase of 15 per cent in just two years. Drinkaware Chief Executive Elaine Hindal said: “Smart operators will already be acting on these research findings by offering a good selection of no and low alcohol drinks in their pubs, clubs and bars. With the wide range of high quality drinks including beers, ciders, wines and spirit alternatives now available in this sector, it’s
Hospitality Action was established in 1837 and has since offered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked, within hospitality in the UK.
never been easier to put together an appealing selection for customers.” •For a detailed report see this issue’s News Special, Page 11.
Guinness Six Nations returns for 2020 The 2020 Guinness Six Nations and 2020 Women’s Six Nations has been officially launched in London, with a call to “come as rivals, leave as friends”. Owen Farrell and Sarah Hunter (England), Charles Ollivon and Gaelle Hermet (France), Johnny Sexton and Ciara Griffin (Ireland), Luca Bigi and Giada Franco (Italy), Stuart Hogg and Rachel Malcolm (Scotland) and Alun Wyn Jones and Siwan Lillicrap (Wales) were all present for the
launch at Tobacco Dock in East London. •Full tournament details at www.clubmirror.com
Hospitality Action was established in 1837 and has since offered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked, within hospitality in the UK. “We’re here for the chefs, waiters, housekeepers and managers. We’re here for the concierges, receptionists and kitchen porters. And we’re here for every sommelier, bartender, catering assistant and cook across the UK. “Whether you work in hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, bars or cafés, schools, hospitals or event venues, we’re here to give you the help, advice and support you need whenever times get tough. “Whatever challenge you face - from physical illness or mental health issues to
financial difficulty, family problems to addiction - Hospitality Action is here to get you back on your feet again. And when it’s no longer possible to work, we can help you prepare for the next phase of your life. “Whatever you do in hospitality, we’ve got you.”
Editor’s note: For details of Hospitality Action’s Mental Health Campaign turn to HQ in this issue. CONTACT DETAILS • t. 0203 004 5500 • info@hospitalityaction.org.uk •Hospitality Action Helpline 24/7. t. 0808 802 0282 7
CLUB NEWS
Clubnews
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Club Mirror takes a whirlwind tour of clubs around the country in the fastest way possible – by social media.
Follow Club Mirror (twitter.com/clubmirrormag) and our sister titles: Club Football (twitter.com/clubmfootball) Club Rugby (twitter.com/clubmirrorrugby) Club Cricket (twitter.com/clubmcricket) Clubhouse Europe (twitter.com/clubhouseeurope) Sports4Bars.com (twitter.com/Sports4Bars) CLUB MIRROR 9
NEWS SPECIAL – LOW/NO ALCOHOL
Operators urged to implement Drinkaware reseach findings Research from independent alcohol education charity Drinkaware has shown interest in lower strength alcoholic drinks is increasing amongst midlife drinkers (45 to 64). Their ongoing mission is to encourage people to cut down on their drinking, which includes taking more Drink Free Days each week. Polls of Midlife UK drinkers undertaken by YouGov on behalf of Drinkaware has found that almost two thirds (66%) of drinkers aged 45 to 64 feel positively about lower strength alcoholic drinks, saying they either currently drink, have done, or would consider drinking lower strength drinks. This is compared with 51% in 2017. The polls, taken in 2017, 2018 and 2019, are part of Drinkaware’s ongoing mission to encourage people to cut down on their drinking, including taking more Drink Free Days each week. Drinkaware Chief Executive Elaine Hindal said: “Midlife drinkers often get bad press when it comes to their drinking habits, but this new research tells us that a growing number of men and women in this age group are willing to embrace alternatives. “People in their 40s, 50s and 60s are most at risk of alcohol-related health harms because they tend to drink more regularly and above the recommended guidelines. So it’s great to see a strong increase over the last couple of years in people within this age group who feel positively about lower or no alcohol drinks.” An interesting no and low alcohol offer means that consumers choosing to cut back on alcohol, particularly in January, don’t have to give up going to their local club. “Low and alcohol-free drinks can be a powerful tool in helping them on that journey, said Hindal.“By welcoming these
customers, operators can keep their venues a little busier during what has traditionally been a very quiet month. “With the wide range of high quality drinks including beers, ciders, wines and spirit alternatives now available in this sector, it’s never been easier to put together an appealing selection for customers.” Drinkaware recommends staying within the Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines of not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week and spreading these over three or more days.
Male and female Midlife drinkers Female drinkers aged 45 to 64 feel more positively about lower strength alcoholic drinks and alcohol-free substitutes than male drinkers of the same age. • More than two thirds (67%) of female drinkers in this age group say they either currently drink, have done, or would consider drinking lower strength drinks. This is compared with 64% of male drinkers in this age group. • More than half (54%) of female drinkers in this age group say they drink nonalcoholic beer, wine or spirit substitutes. This is compared with 48% male drinkers in this age group. Research from the Drinkaware Monitor 2018 also revealed that drinkers under the age of 45 feel more positively about lower strength alcoholic drinks than drinkers aged 45 and over. • More than two thirds (68%) of drinkers aged 18 to 44 say they either currently drink, have drunk, or would consider drinking lower strength drinks. This is compared with 61% of drinkers over the age of 45. • Drinkers both over and under the age of 45 have similar attitudes to alcoholfree substitutes: 47% of drinkers aged 18 to 44 say they drink non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirit substitutes. This is compared with 46% of drinkers over the age of 45.
The research: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Fieldwork was undertaken in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Total sample sizes for each was a minimum of 2000 adults, details of which can be supplied on request. All surveys were carried out online. www.drinkaware.co.uk
CLUB MIRROR 11
HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
HQ BUILDING THE BUSINESS
Mental health in the workplace has traditionally been something of a taboo topic. This month, industry charity Hospitality Action seizes the baton and asks us all to join in its new mental health campaign. Also: how secure are your outbuildings? They’re a beacon for burlars, thanks to the ‘high price tag’ equipment often stored in them. Time to check the adequacy of the club’s anti-theft measures as well as relevant insurance cover. Plus: Veganuary – the pros and cons of including vegan items on the club menu.
Mental health campaign launches I
ndustry charity Hospitality Action (HA) and contract foodservice company Compass are calling on all clubs, businesses and outlets across the hospitality industry to help tackle mental health issues. The programme aims to dispel the stigma attached to mental health problems and to provide support to those who need it by equipping operators with the knowledge, resources and tools they need to safeguard against situations that could result in a mental health crisis. HA research in 2018 found that: • Four out of five hospitality workers find their job stressful some or most of time. • Half describe their job as stressful most or all of time. • Four out of five believe stress levels have increased in the past three years. • Over half (56%) do not make employers aware of mental health problems. • Meanwhile, suicide – already the single biggest killer of men under 45 in UK – has a disproportionate prevalence in the hospitality sector. HA’s mental health programme offers practical solutions in print, online and in person to help employees, colleagues and managers to identify and respond to mental health issues, including: • Industry awareness campaign to normalise conversations mental health. • Help sheets and courses to equip managers with the skills to engage in conversations about mental health problems and suicidal thoughts. • Instructional videos. • Educational posters. • Best practice exemplars and case studies. • On-site mental health and suicide-risk awareness training. • On-site ‘Mental Health Champion’ training. • Specific awareness programme aimed at reducing male suicides. HA’s CEO Mark Lewis said: “In the last two years, HA has seen a marked increase in cases involving a mental health problem, and sadly we have seen the aftermath of far too many suicides – particularly those of young men. “Mental health problems and self-harm are currently a major problem in businesses across the UK.
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We want to act quickly to provide practical, simple information and tools that are easy to implement and can help break the taboos that surround talking about our mental health. By having Compass, Pladis & The Savoy Educational Trust onboard, we are able to raise the bar further and we hope to reach many more people with our message.” Robin Mills, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “As a large employer I believe we
can make a positive difference in helping our people as well as our colleagues across the industry in managing their mental health. By raising awareness of this issue and providing access to information, I hope it will encourage people to seek help when they need it - the more that can be done to enable people to speak up and get support, the better.” Visit https://www.hospitalityaction.org.uk /gethelp/mental-health-campaign for more details.
Preventing theft from club outbuildings Outbuilding theft is becoming an increasing issue for sports and social clubs. But why do thieves target outbuildings, and what can be done to prevent this? Club Insure offers the following advice.
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he inconvenience, upset and expense of an outbuilding break-in should not be underestimated. Many clubs use outbuildings for additional storage space, notably for groundskeeping equipment and machinery which are particular targets for thieves due to their hefty price tag. How to secure a shed or outbuilding Your insurer will require you to have minimum security provisions as part of your policy. Make sure you check your Policy Wording document and comply with their stipulations as a minimum. For example, your insurer may require you to have a professional security system or specific locks. A security firm will be able to provide advice on the most effective alarm systems for your club, and offer other security recommendations. As a starting point, you should take the following steps: • Always lock your outbuildings. • Install an alarm system. • Security mark your property and advertise that it’s marked. This will prevent thieves from taking property that could later be identified as stolen. • Install external security lighting. • Make sure any window frames are in good conditions and use window locks.
Are your outbuildings adequately insured? Speak to your insurer or broker to make sure your outbuildings are covered as part of your policy, and for the right amount. As with any insurance policy, you should have an accurate valuation in order to correctly calculate your Sums Insured. The valuation should be based on the cost of replacing an item as new, not its current second-hand value. Check your limits with your insurer, so you know the maximum number and value of items you can keep in your outbuildings. Also look out for any exclusions in your policy, as expensive individual items could be seen as a target and thus increase risk of theft. With this in mind, always let your insurer know about individual valuable items being stored in any outbuildings.
MORE INFORMATION Talk to the experts: • Use a chain to secure valuable items such as tools, machinery or equipment. • Where possible, lock tools in secure metal cabinets. • Keep an inventory of items stored in the outbuildings. • Take photographs of all valuable machinery and equipment kept in your shed. This will help police identify and retrieve them if a theft occurs.
Club Insure says: “We’re a specialist broker in looking after clubs, so our team know the cover you’ll need. To make sure you’re protected for outbuilding thefts, talk to us.” • t. 0344 488 9204 • www.club-insure.co.uk.
Veganuary 2020 – opportunities and challenges
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his year, more than 350,000 people signed up for Veganuary, a 40% increase on last year. Vegan diets are on the rise, with 600,000 vegans in the UK, according to the Vegan Society. However, as many as one in five UK consumers described themselves as ‘not confident at all’ or ‘very suspicious’ that the vegan products they consume do not contain meat or dairy, according to a recent report from Lloyd’s Register.
said Stuart Kelly, Head of Commercial, Customised Assurance, Lloyds Register. “As we saw in 2019, the success of Greggs’ vegan sausage roll has meant the business has launched a new range of vegan products and shared its financial success in the form of employee bonuses. But with the rise of meat or dairy substitutes, the industry faces the challenge of removing any consumer doubt that products are indeed suitable for a vegan diet.”
The food safety certification expert found that consumer scepticism appears to have risen after a number of brands revealed that their products aren’t 100% vegan or vegetarian, being manufactured on the same production line as meat products or cooked using the same equipment, for example. As a result, the onus is on clubs offering vegan options to ensure that vegan claims are valid. But the effort involved here could prove worthwhile. “There is evidence that adding vegan options to your product offering is working well for companies,”
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LIVE SPORTING FIXTURES FROM
The best of Thursday, February 6, 7.45pm – Sky Sports
Super League: Warrington Wolves v St Helens This is a repeat of the Challenge Cup Final line-up from August 2019. On that occasion, the game ended in an 18-4 upset win for Wolves.
February is a big month for rugby in both codes, with top action in prospect from the Guinness Six Nations and the Super League. Thursday, February 6 7.45pm Sky Sports
Sunday, February 9 2pm BT Sport 1
Super League: Warrington Wolves v St Helens
Premier League: Sheffield United v Bournemouth
Action from the Super League as reigning champions St Helens travel to Warrington Wolves.
Both sides have enjoyed some outstanding performances this season. The August fixture resulted in a 1-1 draw the Vitality Stadium.
Friday, February 7 7.45pm Sky Sports
Super League: Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers An all-Hull clash in the Super League. Rovers finished 11th last season while Hull FC finished at sixth place.
Tuesday, February 18, 8pm – BT Sport
UEFA Champions League: Atletico Madrid v Liverpool The defending champions head to the Spanish capital for this Last 16, 1st leg clash in the Champions League. This venue is where Liverpool won the title last season.
Saturday, February 8 12.30pm BT Sport
Premier League: Everton v Crystal Palace Action from Goodison Park. The earlier fixture between these two sides, back in August 2019, ended in a 0-0 draw. Saturday, February 8 2.15pm ITV
Six Nations Rugby: Ireland v Wales
Sunday, February 23, 3pm – ITV
Six Nations Rugby: England v Ireland Round 3 of the Six Nations championship as 2019 World Cup runners-up England take on Ireland at Twickenham. This should be a highly competitive tie and the men in green will be eager to prove themselves to new head coach, Andy Farrell.
Sunday, February 9 4.30pm Sky Sports Premier League
Premier League: Manchester City v West Ham The Hammers have been in a serious slump for much of the current season and desperately need an upturn in fortunes. Thursday, February 13 7.45pm Sky Sports
Super League: Wigan Warriors v Toronto Wolfpack A big Anglo-Canadian clash in the Super League. Toronto fans will be hoping that former All Black Sonny Bill Williams can make an impact for the Wolfpack Friday, February 14 8pm Sky Sports Premier League
Premier League: Wolves v Leicester City
The second round of the Guinness Six Nations sees reigning champions Wales heading to Dublin to take on a new-look Ireland side.
A Friday Night clash at Molineux. City will be the favourites for the win given their high-flying form.
Saturday, February 8 4.45pm BBC
Saturday, February 15 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League
Six Nations Rugby: Scotland v England
Premier League: Norwich City v Liverpool
The Calcutta Cup clash takes place at BT Murrayfield.
Bottom-placed Norwich face a daunting task.
For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com 14 CLUB MIRROR
February’s live sport ALSO COMING UP... Saturday, February 8 12.30pm Sky Sports Football
Championship Football: Nottingham Forest v Leeds United Friday, February 14 7.45pm Sky Sports
Super League: Salford Red Devils v Huddersfield Giants Sunday, February 16 2pm Sky Sports Premier League
Premier League: Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Guinness Six Nations, Round 2, Saturday, February 8, BBC/ITV Monday, February 17 8pm Sky Sports Premier League
Saturday, February 22 4.45pm BBC
Sunday, February 23 3pm ITV
Premier League: Chelsea v Manchester United
Six Nations Rugby: Wales v France
Six Nations Rugby: England v Ireland
A fairly even game on paper given the teams’ similar positions in the Premier League table.
France have been tipped by several pundits as potential champions this year given the massive abundance of pace and power in their squad.
An intriguing head-to-head at Twickenham between two sides packed with talent. Of particular interest will be the battle between the respective back rows given the personnel available in both squads in this crucial area.
Tuesday, February 18 8pm BT Sport
UEFA Champions League: Last 16, 1st Leg - Atletico Madrid v Liverpool The Reds return to the scene of last year’s Champions League Final triumph as they take on a highly rated Atletico team.
Saturday, February 22 5.30pm Sky Sports Premier League
Premier League: Leicester City v Manchester City A huge game for both sides as they battle for the runners-up spot behind Liverpool. Saturday, February 22 9pm BT Box Office
Wednesday, February 19 8pm BT Sport
UEFA Champions League: Last 16, 1st Leg - Tottenham Hotspur v RB Leipzig Spurs’ third successive appearance in the competition’s Round of 16 as they take on Leipzip who have never reached this point before.
Boxing: Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury The earlier fight between these two big hitting heavyweights was one of the biggest fights of 2019 and this contest at the Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas has all the potential of becoming a classic.
Wednesday, February 26 8pm BT Sport
UEFA Champions League: Last 16, 1st Leg - Real Madrid v Manchester City A match to savour for die-hard fans and neutrals alike as Manchester City travel to the Bernabeu to take one of the game’s biggest names of all time. Real have won the European title 13 times but could struggle against City given that the Manchester side qualified as unbeaten winners of Group C while Madrid only finished as runners-up in Group B.
Sunday, February 16 4.30pm Sky Sports Premier League
Premier League: Arsenal v Newcastle United Saturday, February 22 12.30pm BT Sport 1
Premier League: Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur Friday, February 28 8pm Sky Sports Premier League
Premier League: Norwich City v Leicester City Saturday, February 29 12.30pm BT Sport 1
Premier League: Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace
www.Sports4Bars.com
For latest news and timings on sporting events coming to the club screen, visit Sports4Bars.com CLUB MIRROR 15
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Supplier of the Year Awards Clubs are at the top of their game when it comes to working with suppliers and favourite club brands. So which brands are consistently pulling their weight at the bar? This year, and linked in with Club Mirror’s exclusive Brands Report, compiled by CGA, we’re launching the Supplier of the Year Awards.
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nnounced at last year’s Club Awards, the Supplier of the Year Awards 2020 will recognise the brands that can, and do, pull in business, day in day out, to the club bar. As a springboard to the activity, Marston’s Beer Company was presented with a Special Award at the 2019 Club Award Dinner, held at Doncaster Racecourse on November 27. “Marston’s is a leading light when it comes to working with clubs ,” said Sean Ferris, who co-presented the Awards with CGA’s Ashley Cairns. “We’ve worked with Marston’s for over 15 years now, so it was a pleasure to welcome Free Trade Sales Director Simon Barnes on stage to celebrate all that he and his teams do to support the club sector.” The new awards will be held at the Houses of Parliament on September 10, taking place alongside 2020’s Hospitality Social Media Awards, being held at the House of Commons on the same date. • More details will be released soon online at www.clubmirror.com.
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HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS
Hospitality Social Media Awards Calling all clubs! Are you a tweeter? Or a Facebook fanatic? Are you using social media to build club business? Then step into the spotlight with the Hospitality Social Media Awards 2020. See you at the House of Commons?
he Hospitality Social Media Awards (HoSMA) are the only pan- industry awards designed to celebrate licensed outlets of all types and sizes who are using social media to build their business. Clubs of all shapes, types and sizes, along with colleagues from across the Hospitality spectrum, are invited to enter these exciting awards which - due to popular demand! - will be held once again at the House of Commons at an exclusive ceremony in the stunning Terrace Room overlooking the River Thames. Each finalist will receive two tickets. Want a sense of the event? If you couldn’t be there last year then head over to www.facebook.com/HSMAwards for a
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flavour of what’s in store. To see 2019’s finalists then it’s www.hsma.biz/news. And don’t forget our twitter handle – twitter.com/HSMAwards. What are they again? Just to recap! The Hospitality Social Media Awards celebrate how social media is helping clubs and the UK hospitality sector as a whole to build their business. Last year saw hundreds of entries from all forms of hospitality imaginable - from social clubs and football clubs to rugby clubs and sports clubs and from pubs and bars, to hotels and restaurants. So whatever your club, whether you’re a prolific tweeter or a facebook aficionado, we’re waiting for your entry. Turn the page for the 2020 entry form. Good luck!
2019 winners
Club Insure’s Jason Cook (left) presents Leicestershire County Cricket Club with the opening category of the 2019 Hospitality Social Media Awards, Sports Club of the Year.
Golf Club of the Year goes to the impressive Formby Golf Club, presented by Bob Williams (centre), Chief Executive of the Golf Club Managers Association.
BT Sport’s Ed Cracknell (centre) presents worthy winners South Shields FC with the 2019 Football Club of the Year trophy.
Canterbury Rugby Club’s Ian Lloyd (right) collects the Rugby Club of the Year trophy from Club Control’s Chris McNally.
Dransfields’ Trevor Roberts (left) congratulates Northern FC on becoming joint winner of the 2019 Community Club of the Year Award.
Wortley Men’s Club celebrate their joint win of Community Club of the Year, collecting their trophy from Trevor Roberts, Dransfields (centre).
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HOSPITALITY SOCIAL MEDIA AWARDS
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Open for entries – Hospitality Social Media Awards 2020 The 2020 Hospitality Social Media Awards will take place on September 10, 2020 at the House of Commons. Care to join us? Then it’s time to enter the Awards!
SUPPORTED BY
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Just email info@hsma.biz and we’ll send you all the details. Simple as that!
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CLUB HOUSE Awards
CLUBHOUSE AWARDS
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Golf Awards 2020 tee off Calling all golf clubs! The Clubhouse Awards were launched in 2006 to applaud excellence in golf clubs and resorts across the UK. Now they’re bigger and better than ever before and open for entries.
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he Clubhouse Awards 2020 are now open for business. From owners and club managers to business development teams and membership managers, these unique Awards underline the significant role that the golf clubs are playing in the UK as well as further afield in Europe. From the big hitters to smaller, communityfocussed clubs, the Awards are much prized and this year now include International Categories. THE CATEGORIES • Innovative Club of the Year • Youth Initiative of the Year • Most Welcoming Club of the Year • Community Club of the Year • Mental Health Awareness - Recognition Award • Marketing Initiative of the Year • Green Club of the Year • Catering Club of the Year • Refurbishment of the Year • Marketing Initiative of the Year • Social Media Club of the Year • Website of the Year • Supplier of the Year Award • Manager/Secretary of the Year • Steward of the Year • Golf Group of the Year • Clubhouse of the Year • International Venue of the Year • International Clubhouse of the Year • International Social Media Club of the Year • International Website of the Year • Readers’ Club of the Year UK • Readers’ Club of the Year International • To nominate a club or to enter your own, see the opposite page.
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HOW TO ENTER Please tick preferred option
n I would like one of the ClubHouse Awards judges to contact me to discuss the club. OR n Please email me a self-entry form. Email: ____________________________________________________________ Categories - Please tick as many/few boxes as you wish. The judges may also enter you in categories which they believe you excel in.
n Innovative Club of the Year n Youth Initiative of the Year n Most Welcoming Club of the Year n Community Club of the Year n Mental Health Awareness - Recognition Award n Marketing Initiative of the Year n Green Club of the Year n Catering Club of the Year n Refurbishment of the Year n Marketing Initiative of the Year n Social Media Club of the Year n Website of the Year
n Supplier of the Year Award n Manager/Secretary of the Year n Steward of the Year n Golf Group of the Year n Clubhouse of the Year n International Venue of the Year n International Clubhouse of the Year n International Social Media Club of the Year n International Website of the Year n Readers’ Club of the Year UK n Readers’ Club of the Year International
Name:
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Job title:
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Club:
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Address:
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DEADLINE – 30 June, 2020 CONTACT THE CLUBHOUSE AWARDS TEAM: Fill in this form and post to: Clubhouse Awards, Alchemy Contract Publishing, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX BY EMAIL: Email your details to info@clubmirror.com and we’ll get in touch BY PHONE: Just call in your club details to 01753 272022
BY POST:
CLUB MIRROR 25
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CLUB ACT OF THE YEAR
Club Act of the Year takes to the stage Club Mirror is searching for the best club acts in the country and we’re asking for your help. Just nominate your favourite acts and you could be on your way to winning £500. Time to take a bow.
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oubling up as a nation-wide membership drive, the Club Act of the Year is set to become a showcase for clubs and club entertainment across the country. This new award aims to raise the profile of clubs and their live entertainment throughout the UK, and to provide a platform for acts who are thriving on the club scene. Have a look at your entertainments schedule and tell us who you’d like to shine a spotlight on. Which comedians do members flock to see? Which bands always get an encore? And which singers consistently draw in the crowds? From comedy acts to, bands, duos and soloists, we’ll be announcing finalists by category and then category winners. Finally comes the ultimate accolade - Club Act of the Year. The winning act will perform live at the prestigious Club Mirror Awards, and the nominating club will be invited to attend. The club will also receive £500. How to enter your favourite acts Just send us their name and contact details (or who you book them through) and we’ll do the rest. So let’s get nominating! Good luck!
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Doubling up as a UK-wide membership drive, the Club Act of the Year is set to become a showcase for clubs and club entertainment across the country.
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CLUB ACT OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS I would like to nominate the following act/acts. Please include contact details of the acts. This could be their email address, facebook page, web address or agent. We will advise them of your nomination. Deadline for nominations: 30 June, 2020 1. __________________________________________________________ Act contact details: _____________________________________________ 2. _________________________________________________________ Act contact details: _____________________________________________ 3. _________________________________________________________ Act contact details: _____________________________________________
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Your Name: __________________________________________________
Nominate your favourite acts and you could be on your way to winning £500 for the club.
Club:
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Address:
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Email:
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Mob/Tel:
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Fill in this form and send to: Club Act of the Year, Alchemy Contract Publishing, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX. Or email details to info@clubmirror.com
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CLUB AWARDS
Welcome to the Club Awards
Held at Doncaster Racecourse > CLUB MIRROR 29
CLUB AWARDS
A night to celebrate! Celebration was the order of the night at last year’s Club Awards which saw a spectacular gathering of top clubs from across the country. Clubland’s glitterati were certainly out in force at Clubland’s event of the year. The 28th Club Awards saw plaudits flood in from those who joined us for the night of festivity. For those who couldn’t be there, the Awards were live-streamed with a huge following checking in to watch their club’s fortunes play out. The event began with the Marston’s Beer Festival plus photo opportunities with some fine silverware, courtesy of BT Sport. Then came the main event, the 2019 Club Awards, hosted by TV and sports presenter John Inverdale, back by popular demand. Congratulations to every winner, finalist and entrant, and thanks to club-supporting suppliers who make this happen. We salute you all. • Club Awards Live streaming – available at www.clubmirror.com/live • 2020 entry form available from 14 February onwards at clubmirror.com
THE JUDGES
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CLUB AWARDS 2019
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CLUB AWARDS
The Club Awards COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: BT Sport • Altrincham FC • Boothstown RBL • Consett AFC • Elton Fold WMC & Institute Ltd • Garswood Hall Bowling & Community Club • Hawthorn Recreational & Social Club • Hereford Richmond Place Club • Owley Wood Recreation Club • RAFA Club Kirkby • Rossington Labour Club • Scapegoat Hill Liberal Club • St Kent’s Irish Social Club • St Wilfrid's Terrace Members Club MARKETING CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: BT Sport • BBC Club • Canterbury Rugby Club • Dudley Kingswinford RFC • Grangemoor WMC • Moor Park Golf Club • Phoenix Arts Club • The Melbourne Club • Tiverton Constitutional Club WEBSITE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Studio 44 • BBC Club • Dudsbury Golf Club • Formby Golf Club • Harrowgate Club and Institute Ltd • Leeds Golf Club • Northern FC • Oakley Sports & Social Club SOCIAL MEDIA CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Hospitality Social Media Awards • Canterbury Rugby Club • Leicestershire County Cricket Club • New Eltham Social Club • Old Halesonian RFC • Swanage Conservative Club • Walton Conservative Club • Wrockwardine Wood FC ENTERTAINMENT CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Dransfields • BBC Club • Berry Brow Liberal Club • Chelmsford Conservative • Crookes Social Club • Haydon Wick Club • Kempston Constitutional Club • New Eltham Social Club • Parkway Sports & Social Club • Phoenix Arts Club • Rubery Social Club & Institute • The Laurels Social Club
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MUSIC CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Dransfields • BBC Club • Blackpool RBL • Harrowgate Club & Institute • Hereford Richmond Place Club • Mill View Social Club • Phoenix Arts Club • Rossington Labour Club • The Diamond FAMILY CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Club Control • Cowcliffe & Netheroyd Hill Liberal Club • Dudley Kingswinford RFC • Ellingham & Ringwood Rugby Club • Hawthorn Recreational & Social Club • Mainline Social Club • Oakley Sports & Social Club • Ravenmeadow Golf Club • Willaston Social Club GREEN CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Smarter Business • Bournemouth FC • Datchet Water Sailing Club • Newton Aycliffe WMC • Old Halesonian Association • Taunton Vale Sports Club • Windlesham Golf Club TURNAROUND CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Smarter Business • Bedford Town FC • Boothstown RBL • Christchurch FC • Elton Fold WMC & Institute • Hereford Richmond Place Club • Marsden Golf Club • New Meadow Street Labour Club • Newton Ayecliffe WMC • The Curzon Club • Wembdon Cricket Club BUSINESS INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Club Insure • Baddesley Ensor Social Club • Harrowgate Club & Institute • Leeds Golf Club • Mossley AFC • Newport Salop Rugby Club • Ravenmeadow Golf Club • Slaithwaite Cricket & Bowling Club INNOVATIVE CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Club Insure • Altrincham FC • City of London Club • Formby Golf Club • Garswood Hall Bowling & Community Club • Great Brickhill Cricket Club • Leeds Golf Club • Northern RFC
• The Northumberland Club • Tiverton Constitutional Club CATERING CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: HQ • BBC Club • Carlton House Club • Cobham Sports & Social Club • Kings Heath Cricket & Sports Club • Peterborough Town Sports Club • Phoenix Arts Club • Swanage Conservative Club GOLF CATERING CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: HQ • Bush Hill Park Golf Club • Colville Park Golf Club • Deeside Golf Cub • Dudsbury Golf Club • Moor Park Golf Club • Parkstone Golf Club • Stowmarket Golf Club • The Point Golf Club _______________________________________
SPORTS CATEGORIES Sponsored by BT Sport Supported by Club Mirror and its sister sports titles Sports4Bars, Club Rugby, Club Football, Club Cricket. Also: CMAE, GCMA and Northern Premier League GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: GCMA and Clubhouse Europe • Bush Hill Park Golf Club • Colville Park Golf Club • Deeside Golf Cub • Dudsbury Golf Club • Formby Golf Club • Haydock Park Golf Club • Hesketh Golf Club • Leeds Golf Club • Marsden Golf Club • Moor Park Golf Club • Parkstone Golf Club • Ravenmeadow Golf Club • Shifnal Golf Club • The Melbourne Club RUGBY CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: Club Rugby • Canterbury Rugby Club • Dudley Kingswinford RFC • Eccles RFC • Ellingham & Ringwood Rugby Club • Milton Keynes RFC • Newport Salop Rugby Club • Northern FC • Olney RFC CRICKET CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: Club Cricket • Barnton Cricket Club • Felling Cricket Club
Roll of Honour 2019 • • • •
Great Brickhill Cricket Club Kings Heath Cricket & Sports Club Slaithwaite Cricket & Bowling Club Wembdon Cricket Club
BOWLS CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: Sport4Bars • Garswood Hall Bowling & Community Club • Old Bank Social Club • Owley Wood Recreation Club, • Penn Bowling Club • Shortheath Liberal Club • Slaithwaite Cricket & Bowling Club • Urmston Club & Institute TENNIS CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: CMAE and Clubhouse Europe • Canterbury Lawn Tennis Club • Chesham Lawn Tennis & Squash Club • Derbyshire Tennis Centre • Leamington Lawn Tennis Club • Roehampton Club • The Albert Club • The Northumberland Club • Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis Club SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: BT Sport and Club Mirror • Cookley Sports Club • Old Halesonian Association • Peterborough Town Sports Club • Roehampton Club • Sale Sports Club • The Albert Club • The Northumberland Club FOOTBALL CLUB OF THE YEAR In association with: Northern Premier League and Club Football • Altrincham FC • Bedford Town FC • Cardiff City FC • Christchurch FC • Consett AFC • Mossley AFC • Oxford City FC _______________________________________ SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Marston’s Beer Company • Cobham Sports & Social Club • Kings Heath Cricket & Sports Club • Oakley Sports & Social Club • Old Bradwell Sports & Social Club • Old Patesians Sports & Social Club • Parkway Sports & Social Club • Penn Bowling Club • St George's Sports & Social Club • Wrockwardine Wood FC Sports & Social Club
DARTS CLUB OF THE YEAR Supported by: CIU • Coseley Ex-Servicemens Club • GER Sports & Social Club • Hoo Village Institute • Kempston Constitutional Club • Pyford Social Club TRADITIONAL CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: CIU • Baddesley Ensor Social Club • Blackpool RBL • Brafield on the Green WMC • Broughton WMC • Carlton House Club • Crofton Club • Dartford WMC • Egham USC • Fleetwood WMC • GER Sports & Social Club • Grangemoor WMC • Haydon Wick Club • Hoo Village • Hoyland Belmont WMC • Kingston WMC • Lindley Liberal Club • Mill View Social Club • New Eltham Social Club • Newton Ayecliffe WMC • Oatlands Mount Club • Old Bank Social Club • Ossett Central • Pitshill Victory Club • Rubery Social Club & Institute MEMBERSHIP CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Shufl. • Dartford WMC • Farcet Village Club RAOB • New Eltham Social Club • Pitshill Victory Club • St George's Sports & Social Club • Swanage Conservative Club • Willaston Social Club • Wrockwardine Wood FC Sports & Social Club CHARITY CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Dransfields • Boothstown RBL • Consett AFC • Hesketh Golf Club • Scapegoat Hill Liberal Club • St Kent’s Irish Social Club • St Wilfrid's Terrace Members Club • Willaston Social Club REFURBISHMENT CLUB OF THE YEAR Supported by: CGA • Barnton Cricket Club • Broadstone RBL • Bush Hill Park Golf Club • City of London Club • Cobham Sports & Social Club
• • • • •
Parkstone Yacht Club Roehampton Club Sale Sports Club Stewartby Club Swanage Conservative Club
COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: CGA • Crookes Social Club • Grangemoor WMC • Hawthorn Recreational & Social Club • Honley Liberal Club • Lindley Liberal Club • Maidenhead Conservative Club • Parkway Sports & Social Club • Poole Ex-Servicemen's Club • Remembrance Club • Rubery Social Club & Institute • Shortheath Liberal Club BAR MANAGER/BAR STEWARD OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Marston’s Beer Company • Baddesley Ensor Social Club • Boothstown RBL • Carlton House Club • Egham USC • Leeds Golf Club • Maidenhead Conservative Club • Penn Bowling Club • RAFA Club Kirkby • Rainford Labour Club • Rossington Labour Club CAMRA REAL ALE CLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsor: CAMRA/ Club Mirror • Albatross RAFA Club • Appleton Thorn Village Hall • Bishops Stortford Sports Trust • Cheltenham Motor Club • Corfe Castle Club • Firs Club • Flixton Conservative Club • Haltwhistle Comrades Club • Hungerford Club • Marden Village Club • Orpington Liberal Club • Ravenswood RBL • Rushden Historical Transport Society • Sebastapol Social Club • Whitworth Vale & Healey Brass Band Club • Wortley Men's Club MANAGER/SECRETARY OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Fraser Brown Solicitors • Dartford WMC • Deeside Golf Cub • Dudsbury Golf Club • Formby Golf Club • Mainline Social Club • New Meadow Street Labour Club • Remembrance Club • The Albert Club
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Community Club JOINT WINNER
Hawthorn Recreational & Social Club
Hawthorn Recreational & Social Club impressed the Judging Panel with its commitment to the local community, including an annual Family Fun Day during the August Bank Holiday. “This club is a great community resource and we make it clear that we're there for big occasions such as parties, wedding receptions and wakes,” said Raymond Cheyne, General Manager. “We don't charge anything to host a wake but it's really important for people in the area that they have somewhere to go for what is an essential occasion.” The club’s activities are designed to appeal to a broad audience and includes showing live Premier League and EFL football, televised horse racing seven days a week, quiz nights, snooker, dominoes, weekly prize draws and Saturday night entertainment plus a loyalty initiative whereby members gain points on a smartcard when they spend at the club.
JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
BT Sport’s Ed Cracknell, far right, congratulates Hawthorn Recreational & Social Club.
RAFA Club Kirkby
RAFA Kirkby is very much a community club, said Marie Fairclough, Stewardess: “We pride ourselves on being the central hub for the community, and we continue to be the ‘go to’ location for births, deaths and marriages.” The club hosts Christmas and Halloween events for local children, raises funds for local charities and hosts ‘staple events’ such as weekly bingo and major sporting events via BT Sport and Sky Sports: “We believe that by covering all offerings we are ensuring that when our long standing members pass on there is already a good number coming through as part of the next generation,” she said. “Not only do we work with our brewer to ensure that our offering and package is reflective of the market place, but we also review our costs across the board to ensure that every penny counts.”
RAFA Club Kirkby celebrate success in the Community Club of the Year category.
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Marketing Club
SPONSORED BY
BBC Club Marketing in all its forms plays a vital part in communicating the BBC Club’s vast portfolio of activities – particularly important in 2019 given its celebration of 95 years serving BBC employees, their partners and friends. With some 10,000 members spread over different sites, the marketed offerings include a plethora of events and activities, from Oktoberfest and Halloween to Dry Ginuary and Christmas Markets. Food is an important part of the offering along with stalwarts such as comedy nights, concerts alongside more unusual activities, including language courses. Sport is also a key part of the club’s fabric, be it pay-and-play golf, the sailing club or drawing in members to the opening of the new gym.
With 10,000 members to engage with, marketing is core to the BBC Club’s success. Presented by BT Sport’s Ed Cracknell (far right).
Website of the Year
SPONSORED BY
Formby Golf Club Formby Golf Club has focussed on making its website a valuable marketing tool, tied in with the launch of apps – one for members and one for visitors. “Our members’ website has been revamped, simultaneously linking in with the public website and app. It was a challenge to deliver all of this at the same time, but we managed it to great effect,” said Manager Stuart Leech. “This has provided much more functionality for the members, vastly improved the time spent on the site and app, aided communication even further and has set us apart from our neighbours, which include three Open Championship venues.” The site earned 16,000 page visits in month one of the new app. Stuart Leech, left, collects the Website of the Year trophy from Studio 44’s Larry Hardcastle. (Studio 44 designs and manages Clubmirror.com along with ACP’s other websites.)
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Social Media Club
SPONSORED BY
Canterbury Rugby Club Canterbury Rugby Club averages 21K impressions each month between its Twitter and Facebook accounts. The club’s reach via social media was evidenced by one particularly high-profile match where the build-up saw the club pass 500k impressions. “When the match took place our Tweets earned over 370k impressions over a 24 day period, and Facebook was 54,757 for the same 24 days, and all without having to spend a penny. The posts and tweets were retweeted, shared and commented on quicker than our three designated volunteers could keep up with,” said Ian Lloyd, the club’s Volunteer Co-ordinator.
Canterbury Rugby Club’s Ian Lloyd is congratulated by Larry Hardcastle (right), representing Club Mirror’s sister pan-sector event, the Hospitality Social Media Awards
Congratulations to all our entrants, finalists and winners. CLUB MIRROR 39
Entertainment Club JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
Crookes Social Club Northern Winner
Crookes Social Club is renowned for being the ‘home’ club of 1980s rock band Def Leppard. The 500-capacity Concert Room has been at the centre of a revival, recapturing the club's reputation as a mid-sized music venue. This has seen the club hosting high-profile events, including an album launch concert by renowned Sheffield singer Richard Hawley which gained national publicity. The club is also the backdrop for many scenes in a new film starring Richard E Grant. “The Concert Room has been used for weddings, as a filming location, for community charity events and has even hosted a Thai Boxing tournament,” said Maurice Champeau, Club Secretary. The club celebrated its centenary in 2019 with a three-day event, including a beach party which saw five tonnes of sand used to create an authentic beach scene.
Phoenix Arts Club (left), and Crookes Social Club (middle) celebrate with Dransfields’ MD Chris Haley (far right).
JOINT WINNER
Phoenix Arts Club Southern Winner
Located in the original dressing and rehearsal rooms of The Phoenix Theatre where Sir Laurence Olivier made his debut on stage in the 1930s, Phoenix Arts Club is positioned in the West End in the heart of London’s theatre-land. The club is used for rehearsal space, after-show parties and is proud to have appeared in the opening sequence of Harry Potter. Its entertainment programme for members encompasses a breadth of genres which includes everything from West End theatre singalongs and performances by London cabaret stars to musical open mic nights and a Saturday Supershow. The judges particularly praised the energy and passion of the club’s inspirational team.
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SPONSORED BY
Music Club The Diamond Described as Nottinghamshire’s premier live music venue, The Diamond has an action-packed gig list featuring new bands as well as prominent tribute acts, from Queen, Quo and ACDC to Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Elvis. “In a difficult time for live music venues, we have not only managed to stay open, but we have thrived,” said Manager Lisa Rawson. “There have been numerous closures of live venues in the local area alone. The fact that this club is still going strong is testament to the owners, managers, staff and above all to our loyal and ever-growing customer base. We feel very privileged to be here rocking on!”
The team from The Diamond - proud to keep rocking on. Pictured with Chris Haley, Dransfields (right).
Family Club
SPONSORED BY
Willaston Social Club Willaston Social Club celebrated its centenary in 2019 and marked the occasion by staging a Family Festival across four days in September, complete with a garden party, fete, a street parade, snooker, darts and dominoes competitions and a kids’ challenge to design a new logo, with brewer Coors funding the new signage. “We are the hub of the village,” said Club Stewardess Lesley Kenyon. “We hold all sorts of events here from mother and tots groups to Zumba.” The club has also installed a permanent bouncy castle and welcomed 100 new members during the year.
Willaston Social Club takes to the stage to receive their Award from sponsor Club Control.
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Green Club
SPONSORED BY
Datchet Water Sailing Club Datchet Water Sailing Club’s many green initiatives includes a sustainable clubhouse scheme. “It means we are paying nothing for heating and in fact we're making 27% back on our investment,” said Manager Gabrielle Boase. A highlight of the club’s 2019 green schemes was when the club hosted 300 children at a week-long sailing event. This included camping on site and evening entertainment. No plastic cutlery or packaging was used and a club member secured drinking water fountains with refillable water bottles for the event, all underlpinned by a club-wide ban on the sale of plastic water bottles during the event.
Datchet Water Sailing Club Manager Gabrielle Boase is delighted to collect the Green Club of the Year Award.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
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Turnaround Club JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
Hereford Richmond Place Club
Hereford Richmond Place Club has successfully fought adversity and worked hard to broaden its appeal, with live entertainment playing a pivotal part in its turnaround. Blues Sunday is particularly notable, and is now so popular that it attracts artists from across the globe. Other events which have helped the club boost its finances include Pro Wrestling, rallies for the local chapter of the Austin 7 Owners’ Club and talks (for example, by SAS Iranian embassy hero Rusty Firmin). Revenues for the club have also soared with a new drive to hire out the Concert Hall for private functions with wedding receptions proving particularly popular.
Hereford Richmond Place Club (left) and Newton Ayecliffe WMC take to the stage to celebrate their joint success.
JOINT WINNER
Newton Ayecliffe WMC
Newton Ayecliffe WMC, known as ‘The Big Club’, has effected an impressive turnaround since a new management team came on board to steer the club out of severe financial difficulties. The turnaround project has seen the club’s losses of £1,000 a week reversed, turning in significant profits in 2019. Simultaneously, the club has applied for and won a 40 per cent grant from the Business Energy Efficiency Project, as well as receiving a £10,000 council grant to upgrade the club’s toilet facilities. A revitalised entertainment and activities programme and a drive to increase private functions are all key to the club’s continuing upwards trajectory.
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Business Initiative
SPONSORED BY
Ravenmeadow Golf Club In 2019 Ravenmeadow Golf Club launched a Jungle Safari Adventure Centre, an adventure golf course created as an action-packed, interactive family-friendly activity. This has engaged the local community and the new venture is busy, come rain or shine. “The adventure golf centre is the gateway to the golf club because people visit and then decide to try us out,” said Angela Leaver, Bar Manager, adding that function business has really taken off. “We get a lot of repeat business and golf club members really like it and hold functions there.” As a result, membership is now up by 10%.
A new Jungle Safari Adventure Centre saw Ravenmeadow Golf Club win the Business Initiative of the Year, presented by Club Insure’s Daniel Cracknell (far right).
Innovative Club Northern FC Northern Football Club’s entry highlighted a number of praise-worthy initiatives. The one which stood out to judges was the club’s hosting of the ‘Proper Food and Drink Festival’. “This event has taken place at several locations across the North East but this was the first time in Gosforth,” said Assistant Manager Michael Giles. The club put on free live music throughout the event plus two outside bars to cope with demand. “Not only were the bars full, it put Northern on the map for those who hadn’t been to the club before. Many people attending as well as sellers said that they’d love to come back next year,” he said. “This gives us the option to host our own festival and possibly see the return of our Northern Beer Festival as well.” Club Insure’s Daniel Cracknell (right) welcomes Nothern FC on stage.
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SPONSORED BY
Catering Club
SPONSORED BY
Cobham Sports & Social Club Cobham Sports & Social Club makes all of its dishes on site and boasts an eclectic choice of freshly made dishes including vegan and gluten-free choices. As a result of its popularity, the club has taken on a new chef to cope with increased business. The Orangery has been completed, creating an additional 56 covers. The club takes between 40-50 bookings on weekdays and is booked up on Friday and Saturday. To support the catering drive, it has spent £6k on improving its gas mains to increase the amount of gas coming into the kitchen, installed a Rational Combi Cooking Centre range and put in a 3,000 litre fat trap. Members can also enjoy the quality of food presentation thanks to an investment of £3k into new crockery.
Congratulations from HQ Building the Business go to Cobham Sports & Social Club.
Golf Catering Club
SPONSORED BY
Dudsbury Golf Club “We have a full range of cuisine at the club through Bentley’s Restaurant and Spikes Bistro, and we've introduced the Spikes Dining Club which is a loyalty card where you gain points for purchases,” said General Manager Paul Palmer. Chefs use locally sourced food, design bespoke menus for events and have created a full range of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. The club hosted 2019’s PGA EuroPro Tour Golf Catcher which saw celebrities, including Harry Rednapp and Matt Le Tissier, competing. “The club gave a fantastic account of itself and on the hospitality side we were extremely busy throughout. We also had an outside Estrella Bar which really added to the atmosphere,”said Paul. Marston’s Business Development Manager Sarah Pemberton collects the trophy on behalf of Dudsbury Golf Club.
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Golf Club (up to £1m turnover) JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Bush Hill Park Golf Club Southern winner
Bush Hill Park Golf Club has been under huge commercial pressure, competing in a very tough local market place. “We’ve undertaken a series of major developments to ensure the sustainability of our club and the results are very clearly having a positive impact,” said General Manager Stuart Judd. Initiatives include adjusting the membership profile by introducing a younger profile, family memberships and access membership for beginners. A new indoor swing studio, a new Head Professional, a bar refurbishment (funded by a benefactor and a loan from Marston’s Beer Company) and bringing catering in-house are just part of a full restructure of the club.
The Golf Club Managers Association’s Bob Williams (far right) congratulates Bush Hill Park Golf Club and Leeds Golf Club.
JOINT WINNER
Leeds Golf Club Northern winner
With a history stretching back to 1890, 2019 saw the 104th edition of the Leeds Cup, golf’s oldest professional trophy, return to its original home of Leeds Golf Club where it was first competed for. Today, the club has 18 Junior teams and Juniors from across the county there for the Wilkinson Sword Trophy. It is the only club in West Yorkshire to hold Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status and prides itself on making golf affordable and available to the whole community. Under 40s have been successfully targeted through a tiered membership, and a Golf Beginner’s Academy is proving successful in bringing in new members. Online booking is now available, a Chip and Pin loyalty card has been introduced and, to encourage membership, a new Flexiplay membership has been put in place for those with less leisure time.
46 CLUB MIRROR
Golf Club (over £1m turnover) JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Formby Golf Club
Formby Golf Club has focussed on enhancing the member and visitor experience, launching new apps and ibeacons sited at different points of the club. “For example, as the visitor arrives an ibeacon gives a welcome message with details of where to go,” said manager Stuart Leech. “Another alerts visitors to photo opportunities, encouraging them to upload images onto social media. It means we can send messages at certain points of the customer journey, enhancing engagement and providing direct access for them to contact us or place orders.” The club has also built in a GPS guide for the course, including hole by hole flyovers, all helping with data capture.
Moor Park Golf Club (left) and Formby Golf Club (middle) celebrate success with Bob WIlliams of the Golf Club Managers Association (far right).
JOINT WINNER
Moor Park Golf Club
Moor Park Golf Club has two Harry Colt designed championship golf courses – The High and The West. The High Course features in the Top 100 golf courses in England and is host to many prestigious events including The Carris Trophy. It has invested £85k in draining the fairways and opened a short game area in May 2019. To ensure that standards are maintained and developed, new Chief Executive Amy Yeates recognised that the club had no success measurement mechanism in place so has subscribed to 59 Club which sends surveys to “Vision Volunteers” for feedback. Amy also sends out a short video every month to members updating them on what’s happening at the club, from events and updates to interviews with the beekeeper of the club’s new bee hives, installed in April 2019.
CLUB MIRROR 47
Rugby Club
SPONSORED BY
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club Dudley Kingswinford RFC celebrates its centenary in 2020. The flourishing rugby club runs 21 men’s and women’s teams across several age groups. “We also have qualified volunteer coaches who help to spread the word by running taster sessions at schools,” said the club’s Gail Evans. “We’ve also really taken off on social media. Our website receives 3,500 visitors a week and it’s constantly updated with the latest match reports/photos and general rugby news.” The inclusive club runs big community events including a Strongman event and a Fireworks party. Quiz nights, race nights, discos, sportsmen dinners and lunches are all part of the regular club mix. Dudley Kingswinford celebrates success, congratulated by Club Rugby magazine’s Nick Sellens.
Cricket Club
SPONSORED BY
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Great Brickhill Cricket Club Great Brickhill Cricket Club has five cricket teams plus Juniors and ‘Badgers’ sides. With the cricket season running from May to September, the club has focussed on ensuring that yearround activity keeps club revenues coming in. Special food events are now held each Friday evening, from street food and Mexican to curry nights, Greek and Italian. “On average 150 people attend, including many non-members who then join up. Membership is up ten per cent,” said Pavilion Manager Karen Roff. An annual Music Festival attracts around 1,000 people and 2019’s Gin and Beer Festival welcomed over 500 guests. “We’re now aiming to hold two a year,” said Karen. “We’re also planning to refurbish the club before the 2020 season.” On behalf of Club Cricket magazine, Nick Sellens (right) welcomes Great Brickhill Cricket Club on stage.
48 CLUB MIRROR
SPONSORED BY
Bowls Club
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Penn Bowling Club Founded in 1911 Penn Bowling Club has 1,300 members and 14 bowling teams. “All of our teams have performed well this year, and semifinals and finals have been held at the club which has raised our profile,” said Treasurer Roger Baker. “We spend around £7k every year to maintain the green.” The bowling season is April to September/October, so for the rest of the year the club keeps busy with dominoes, crib, pool, darts and pool. A Sunday Carvery has been introduced as well as hot food on Fridays and Saturdays, and the club has seen a 20% increase in sales of guest beers. “Our annual Beer Festival continues to be a great success. This year we put on entertainment and attracted 1,000 people with £18k in revenue.” Penn Bowling Club accepts its trophy from Justin O’Regan, on behalf of Club Mirror’s sister site Sports4Bars.com
SPONSORED BY
Tennis Club
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Roehampton Club Founded in 1901 and with 5,000 members, the multi-sport Roehampton Club has completed the build of a new £1.75m indoor tennis block with three indoor courts. Tennis can now be played year-round from 6.30am to 11pm with LED lights coming on automatically when play starts. “Feedback from the public and professional tennis players has been fantastic,” said Chief Executive Marc Newey, adding that Jamie Murray had endorsed it and Andy Murray had recently re-joined the club. The Gant Tennis Championship is also held at the club, a three day event where members can watch tennis stars play in the warm up to Wimbledon.
Roehampton Club’s Marc Newey (left) accepts the Tennis Club of the Year Award.
CLUB MIRROR 49
Sports Club JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Cookley Sports Club
Cookley Sports Club presents a comprehensive range of facilities for a multitude of sports, from football, cricket, bowls and netball to snooker, table tennis, crib and darts. Five large screens show Sky Sports, BT Sport and terrestrial channels, and a busy social calendar includes an annual Beer Festival with live bands as well as ‘Party in the Park’, a three day event attracting over 4,000 guests. Catering is an important part of the club’s offering, all supported with three bars. An outside servery helps cope effectively with large crowds and remains open throughout winter, serving burgers, pizza and pies to the club’s 18 football teams, their opposing teams and guests.
In a tough category, Cookley Sports Club and Sale Sports Club prove victorious, congratulated by former Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe (second from right).
JOINT WINNER
Sale Sports Club
Founded in 1854, Sale Sports Club took on the construction of a new clubhouse to the tune of £1.2 million. This has been a huge undertaking for the club and has incurred major contractual challenges, in particular the sale of land to raise funding. A resurfaced tennis court, artificial cricket pitch and new boundary netting were included in the extensive refurbishment. As well as providing new and improved facilities, the club ensures that its community officers play a valuable role, visiting local schools and offering free coaching. Broader activities for members and the community include lectures, plays and musical events along with a successful annual beer festival.
50 CLUB MIRROR
SPONSORED BY
Football Club
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Consett AFC Consett AFC now has over 100 teams playing on a weekly basis with the mantra 'football for all' reflected in the diverse nature of the teams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; men's, women's, children, veterans, disabled are all represented. Chairman Frank Bell has been approached by the FA to help other clubs grow the sport at grass roots level. The club is in partnership with Newcastle College and the Newcastle United Foundation creating pathways into working in football/sport, and it puts volunteers through coaching and first aid courses. Over 50 people gained their FA grade 1 badge in 2019. In the community, the club works tirelessly with local schools, charities, churches, emergency services and youth groups in order to share values and raise money for projects and charities. Over ÂŁ100k was raised in 2019.
Congratulation to Consett AFC, deservedly taking the Football Club of the Year Award for the second year running.
Congratulations to all our entrants, finalists and winners. CLUB MIRROR 51
Sports and Social Club JOINT WINNER
Kings Heath Cricket & Sports Club
Kings Heath Cricket & Sports Club has completed a refurbishment of its main lounge, sports bar, function room, changing rooms and a small bar in its pavilion. Membership has increased by almost 10%. “We’ve seen growth in the number of members, especially in the junior sections in cricket, tennis and squash,” said Paul Ingleston, President. Warwickshire County Cricket Club hosts games at the club and the club has won CAMRA’s Top Outlet Award for the Birmingham area. “Currently we are trying for a Sport England grant to replace the shale courts with a multi-sports floodlit area here so we can expand our sports offering with netball or football,” said Peter. The club has previously been crowned King of Clubs at the Club Awards.
JOINT WINNER
No stranger to the Club Awards, Kings Heath Cricket & Sports Club takes to the stage.
Parkway Sports & Social Club
Parkway Sports & Social Club is part of the local Snooker league, has six Darts teams, six Pool teams, tennis courts and a Bowls Englandapproved Bowls Green which hosts mid-week local leagues and big national games. The social side of the club has seen a transformed entertainment programme, increasing membership visits and drawing in new audiences. “Advertising all new events on Facebook, and even live streaming some events on our social media, has brought in new faces and potential future members to the club,” said the club’s Georgia Heard. “We’ve also worked to become more attractive to younger groups of people, making it popular for weddings and birthdays, simultaneously making the club ‘instagrammable’.
52 CLUB MIRROR
SPONSORED BY
Parkway Sports & Social Club are welcomed on stage by Marston’s Paul Lockwood (centre).
Darts Club
SPONSORED BY
Coseley Ex-Servicemens Club Coseley Ex-Servicemens Club is a traditional community-orientated club in Wolverhampton. “There's a lot of competition in the area with about five or six clubs within walking distance,” said the club’s Tony Harthill. “Our club's USP is our fantastic darts set-up. We are the biggest darts venue in the area. As well as running several teams ourselves, we also host the League finals here twice a year and stage our own open tournaments.” The club sets up several dart boards for big events and a stage for finals nights, along with a digital scoreboard and two large screens showing close-ups of the board. The club is also a proud sponsor of the Wolverhampton Darts League. Host John Inverdale (left) and CIU General Secretary Kenneth D Green CMD ACM (right) present Coseley Ex-Servicemens Club with the Darts Club of the Year Award.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
CLUB MIRROR 53
Traditional Club JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
Blackpool RBL
Blackpool RBL is in the centre of Blackpool. It puts on live entertainment five nights a week including a popular Rock ‘n’ Roll Jive Night. The club’s focus on drawing in more young people is securing success, with the refurbished Function Room adding to the mix, all publicised by a website, Facebook and flyers. “This being Blackpool, there's extensive competition from other venues in the area. We have to compete,” said Club Secretary, Carlie O’Carroll. The club is the focal point for the region’s Poppy Appeal and it has forged new links with a local army base so soldiers can visit to socialise and hold functions. A mark of the respect in which the club is held is demonstrated by the extensive array of cherished military mementoes which have been passed to the club by members.
Representatives of each club were presented with their trophies on stage by CIU Vice-President Geoff Whewell (fourth from the left).
JOINT WINNER
Hoo Village Institute
Hoo Village Institute and Club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2019, marked with a big party for the whole community. “We're very much a village community club and we really strive to be at the heart of the village by providing a meeting place for different groups of people – from mothers and toddlers having coffee and cakes in the morning to a free party for senior citizens at Christmas,” said President Peter Turner. The club has recently invested in a large projection screen and shows all the Premier League games on BT Sport and Sky Sports which draws in good crowds. “Sports-wise, our football team got promoted last year to the Kent Premier League. We also have several darts teams and host major events with 100 players once a month. We also had former World No.1 Ronnie Baxter at the club to do an exhibition and let some of our players play a leg against him.”
54 CLUB MIRROR
Membership Club
SPONSORED BY
New Eltham Social Club New Eltham Social Club has experienced a major boom in membership numbers thanks to a packed schedule of activities, charity events, community initiatives and traditional club sports and games. Live entertainment is put on three times a week, with tribute bands ranging from the Jersey Boys and Adele to Luther Vandross, Ska & Madness, all free to the 1,000 members. During 2019 the club's pool teams have won various League competitions including the Tuesday Night League (Frank Smith Pool League) and Thursday night League (SLKPA) in the Winter Season. The Golf Society is also thriving and the club is currently extending its premises with a new Lounge Bar and new garden area. Congratulations to New Eltham Social Club, Membership Club of the Year, presented by Joey Bartram, SHUFL.
Charity Club
SPONSORED BY
St Kent’s Irish Social Club Founded in 1965 and with 1,500 members, St Kent’s has raised £1.7m for charity since 2002. In 2019 a total of £35k was raised for a variety of charities, ranging from local hospital Francis House which cares for children and young adults with life limiting conditions to Manchester’s renowned cancer hospital, The Christie. “We raise our funds in all sorts of ways, for example charity nights with a band and discos, charity auctions and afternoon teas,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, St Kent’s Managing Director, who often acts as a compere and/or auctioneer. The club also provides sponsorship for the University of Manchester Ladies and Men’s Gaelic Athletic Association, and holds free presentation evenings for the teams. John Inverdale (far left) and Dransfields’ MD Chris Haley (far right) welcome the team from St Kent’s on stage.
CLUB MIRROR 55
Refurbishment Club City of London Club
JOINT WINNER
Founded in 1832 and with a membership of 1,075 the City of London Club boasts two restaurants with different menus that change weekly. The main dining room serves traditional and seasonal fare while the Salisbury dining room is more brasserie style. “Our biggest achievement in the past 12 months has been refurbishing our two main kitchens, both 40 years old,” said Edward Plunket, Club Secretary. “This included introducing a Josper Charcoal Oven. We have achieved a steady retention of numbers, even during refurbishments, and we now offer our Member’s Bar as a dinner space in the evenings which has become very popular. And all while maintaining a 100% score from Environmental Health.”
JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
Congratulations to the City of London Club, representing London in the Refurbishment Club of the Year category.
Parkstone Yacht Club
Parkstone Yacht Club, established in 1895, now has 2,800 members and an impressive new state-of-the-art clubhouse. The clubhouse boasts four separate balconies all designed to make the most of the panoramic views over Poole harbour. With a thriving social section, sports screenings (BT Sport) and three separate indoor eating areas, its stylish new food operation serves breakfast and lunch Monday to Sunday, with evening dining, Friday and Saturday. Bars open 11am - 2.30pm and 6pm - 11pm daily (5pm on Sunday).
With a new completely new clubhouse built Parkstone Yacht Club was announced as joint winner of Refurbishment Club of the Year presented by CGA’s Ashley Cairns.
56 CLUB MIRROR
Committee of the Year
SPONSORED BY
Grangemoor WMC
JOINT WINNER
Grangemoor WMC continues to grow the club’s fortunes both financially and in terms of membership numbers. The Committee is determined to ensure that the club is run to the highest possible standards, both in terms of member experience and of keeping up to date with regulations. It contains a mix of skills and experience and has helped to drive major club improvements, meaning that private function business is flourishing with bookings now taken many months in advance. Club Secretary Mandi Edwards has paid particular tribute to her Committee colleagues for their support during a period of ill health. Grangemoor WMC takes to the stage to celebrate.
JOINT WINNER
Lindley Liberal Club
The hardworking Committee at Lindley Liberal Club have presided over a very successful period for the club with excellent financial results enabling the club to invest in improvements to the club’s facilities. Refurbishments in 2019 to the tune of £69k ensure that, despite the historic nature of the club building, the fixtures, fittings and furniture offer the latest in 21st century comfort. The club has a very clear business plan and the Committee has shown great foresight in trying out new innovations in order to attract new people to the club. The Committee includes members who have been serving the club for between 15 and 40 years, all to the benefit of its 2,233 members.
With responsibility for over 2,000 members, Lindley Liberal Club’s Committee is at the top of its game.
CLUB MIRROR 57
The top performer in the top 20 ca cask ask alees *
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Bar Manager/Steward Baddersley Ensor Social Club
JOINT WINNER
Julia Gilbert is a driving force behind Baddersley Ensor Social Club which holds entertainment every day of the week. Live sport is big, with BT Sport and Sky Sports showing on several screens. Julia DJs at club events, acts as host for children's parties and trials new activities to ensure that the club remains fresh and at the forefront of the community. The club has received Cask Marque accreditation, gaining a perfect 20/20 score, and Julia’s expertise at the bar include appreciating which brands fit which demographics. The club runs a loyalty scheme via an electronic card which stores up points. “We try to keep prices down as far as possible and we’ve also invested in a new bar fridge plus a stylish lighted gin section,”she said.
JOINT WINNER
SPONSORED BY
Marston’s Paul Lockwood was delighted to welcome Julia Gilbert and her club team on stage to present the prestigious Bar Manager of the Year Award.
Boothstown RBL
Kenny and Janine Bailey, Steward and Stewardess at Boothstown RBL, reported an increase in bar sales with club members coming in on a more regular basis. “It's easy to track this as we have a loyalty scheme in force,” said Kenny. “We’ve also been named 'Club of the Year' by our local CAMRA branch for four successive years which is a great tribute to the effort we put into sourcing and serving cask ale.” The husband and wife team ensure that the club is all about the community. “The most obvious thing is our annual Boothstown Festival. There really is nothing like it in terms of getting local people of all ages along for a great day out,” said Kenny. “There's food, children's entertainment, live music, great drinks and local businesses and charities are there in force.” The duo also run a weekend Gin Bar, and a two day Community Beer Festival in November.
Boothstown RBL celebrate the success of Steward and Stewardess, Kenny and Janine Bailey
CLUB MIRROR 59
CAMRA Real Ale Club
SPONSORED BY CAMRA IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Club Mirror and CAMRA have been scouring the country to find the UK’s finest real ale clubs. Fifteen clubs were invited to the Awards having already undergone exacting mystery judging to become the top 16 Regional Winners. Only four of them would go through as Super Round Winners. The contestants were… • Albatross RAFA Club • Appleton Thorn Village Hall • Bishops Stortford Sports Trust • Cheltenham Motor Club
• Corfe Castle Club • Firs Club • Flixton Conservative Club • Haltwhistle Comrades Club • Hungerford Club
• Marden Village Club • Orpington Liberal Club • Ravenswood RBL • Rushden Historical Transport Society
• Sebastapol Social Club • Whitworth Vale & Healey Brass Band Club • Wortley Men's Club
And the Super Round Winners are...? Appleton Thorn Village Hall, Cheltenham Motor Club, Flixton Conservative Club and Orpington Liberal Club
Congratulations to the Super Round winners of the CAMRA Real Ale Club of the Year, run in association with Club Mirror and the Club Awards
60 CLUB MIRROR
Manager/Secretary
SPONSORED BY
James Dunn The Albert James Dunn, Manager of The Albert, oversees 13 part-time staff and a pool of 79 volunteers. The club has six floodlit tennis courts, two snooker tables, a crown bowling green and a table tennis room. “We’ve improved facilities thanks to a £61k Sport England grant, building three new match tennis courts and a Kids’ Zone,” said James. To fund resurfacing of the other three tennis courts, James mounted a crowdfunding campaign which the community has embraced. Snooker tables have also been re-covered, a new PA system bought for ‘open mic’ nights, three new gazebos bought for outdoor functions and a portable outdoor bar provided by Marston’s. James oversees the annual village fete held at the club as well as a June Beer Festival, now in its 10th year, attracting up to 2000 people.
Club Mirror’s Legal Eagle David Lucas (right) welcomes Manager of the Year James Dunn on stage.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
CLUB MIRROR 61
King of Clubs
SPONSORED BY
Roehampton Club
BT Sport’s Bruce Cuthbert (left) and Club Mirror’s Sean Ferris (right) congratulate Marc Newey of the Roehampton Club for achieving the ultimate accolade, the Club Awards’ King of Clubs!
With a turnover of £11 million, 5,000 members and a heritage of 128 years, London’s Roehampton Club is at the top of its game. The club’s golf course, squash courts, croquet, pool and state of the art health club are all cherished by members and the waiting list is now approaching three years. The highlights of the club’s year have included its completion of a £1.75m indoor tennis block with three indoor all year round courts along with its hosting of the pretigious Gant Championships. Family has been a big focus for the club in 2019. “We’ve been encouraging members to use the club as a family and have started more parent and child competitions where the parents and children work as a pair. It’s a fun competition and is proving very popular,” said Chief Executive Marc Newey. The club’s large grounds include a herb garden and fruit and vegetable patches where children can plant, tend and pick the produce, learning how they’re grown at the same time. Being green-conscious is also a focus. Grass clippings are recycled and used for compost and six bee hives at the back of the 16th green are now producing honey which is sold at the café. The club has both BT Sport and Sky Sports, along with a café brasserie (7.30am to 6.30pm), bar food (6pm to 10pm), a juice bar and a daily pool-side barbecue in the summer.
Congratulations to our worthy winner! 62 CLUB MIRROR
AND THE WINNER IS...
King of Clubs Roehampton Club
Congratulations to all our Club Awards winners and finalists CLUB MIRROR 63
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