STOURBRIDGE OLD EDWARDIAN CLUB

ED-Words  
Reopening Newsletter
May 2021

Hopefully by the end of June, the restrictions will be lifted altogether, and we can look forward to the return of our established social functions and hopefully some new ones.

I outlined in the last newsletter on behalf of the General Committee, a clear vision for the Club. Feedback from members was positive and there was support for the proposals. Detailed below is an update of the progress in implementing the new vision to enhance the club offer: -

• CCTV has been installed on the exterior of the premises enhancing our car parking offer.
• 2 snooker tables have been removed and the remaining 3 tables re-positioned to create a new lounge area – “The Edwardian Lounge”.
• Work continues to complete the works in the Edwardian Lounge to make it an attractive area for members and hopefully external hirers.
• A new window is to be installed in the new lounge area shortly. We have had to wait for planning permission and the manufacture of appropriate external window frames to match existing frames.
• Discussions are continuing with various third parties who are actively considering hiring our premises thus increasing our viability.

I anticipate that as the vaccination programme concludes and the club “opens up” as restrictions end, we will be in a strong position from the Summer onwards to provide a wide range of events appealing to members. However, the General Committee is not the fount of all knowledge so please let any of us know of events/functions/facilities that you would like to see in the Club. I have already received one from a Member which I will be discussing shortly with the General Committee.

Finally, I would like to thank all the Members for their perseverance and patience with our enforced closure but look forward to meeting you all shortly in the Club and at events. Thanks to all the General Committee for all their hard work during this time and Tim and Tracey for their ongoing support to the club. 

The Club will re-open (in line with Government guidance) on MONDAY MAY 17th.  The hours will be reviewed as and when the Government issue further relaxing (or otherwise) guidelines in June. 

The Club will open during bar opening times only and members will not be allowed to enter the Club outside the hours listed below. This is because we still  need to conduct COVID-secure checks by Tim and Tracey on entering the Club. 

OPENING TIMES:
Mondays  to Fridays 11:30 am - 2:30 pm  then 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturdays:  11:30 am to 3:30 pm then 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Sundays: Closed

• Hand sanitiser will be available for use both immediately outside the main door and in the foyer.
• All members and visitors will be required to be temperature tested on entry.
• Name, address and telephone number of one member of each individual group will be taken.
• You should not attend if you have or recently had a persistent cough or temperature, or if you live with someone who had these symptoms recently.
• The Club will operate a one-way system as before both for moving round the club, visiting the toilets and also when exiting the premises which will be through the emergency door in the snooker room into the car park.
• Staff will wear appropriate face covering i.e. masks or visors.
• Standing at or around the bar area will not be permitted. Everyone will sit at tables and await service by the bar staff.
• Rule of 6: Maximum number of people allowed at each table is 6 if from more than 2 households. Larger groups can sit together if from only 2 households. However, Tim and Tracy will set out seating and tables appropriately, as previously done to ensure the safety of customers.
• There is no limit to the number of customers present in the Club as long as they can all be seated at the same time in line with the Rule of 6 with adequate social distancing of tables.
• Masks should be worn while moving around the Club until seated. Tables will be appropriately socially distanced as above.
• In order to play snooker, masks should be worn while walking to the snooker area but may be removed while actually playing. Sanitising instructions will be provided by Tim.

Bar snacks will be available from Tim and Tracey as usual.

Those who organise other dinners and events at the Club should contact Tim and Tracey directly to advise on short term possibilities in advance of anticipated further guidelines in June.

As the lockdown measures are easing, the social programme will emerge in the near future.

In the meanwhile, some "firmly provisional" dates for your diaries (assuming continuing ability after the June relaxation measures):

• Charter Day Lunch - Saturday 26 June 
• Saturday 21st August - President's Evening
• Friday 8th October - Annual Dinner
• Tuesday 26th October - Quiz Night with Russell Johnson

Tim is reviewing the seating arrangements in line with potentially restarting conventional dinners such as fish and steak nights and a special Edalert email will be issued soon.

Venue hirers are actively seeking to use the Club (both previous and new) and will be advised in due course.

Our "Select-4 (x2)" lunches, for the limited  members only who are involved, will take place on Friday 21st May and Friday 6th August.

Our full events programme will re-emerge when we are allowed to re-open and will be made visible on our Events Calendar.

PLEASE SUPPORT ONE OF OUR HEROES TRYING TO RAISE MONEY FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Many of you will have been to events when Sam Purslow (Tim's nephew and Andy's son) often helps out behind the bar and in serving dinners to us at large functions. He always does a great job for us and especially ensures we are all kept happy and satisfied with the level of service he personally provides.

Now is your chance to help him - and I hope you will respond to this call for action.

In true family tradition, Sam (pictured with Tim above) will be raising money for the less fortunate by valiantly running the half marathon at the Birmingham running festival imminently on the 16th of May at Sutton park. 

It’s for a great cause! Alzheimer’s Society is transforming the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.

So we hope the generosity of our members will help him meet or exceed his target if you click on his "justgiving" link HERE now. Thank you all in advance.