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The Club’s Committee have had a busy time during the past three months which included a very successful Gala Day on August Bank Holiday Monday.
The application for a grant from Biffa Waste to assist in the building of the Bowls Pavilion was unfortunately unsuccessful. The Company informed the Committee that our application was excellent but the funding had been given to other projects in more deprived areas. We were extremely disappointed at the outcome but it has made the Committee more determined than ever to achieve our objective of a New Pavilion and proposals are now under way to ‘make it happen’.
The bench in memory of the late Ron Bennett has been delivered from Bentley FAB and placed inside the perimeter of the Bowling Green. A plaque has been added to the bench to recognise the contribution Ron made to the Bowls Section. Donations towards the cost of the bench were received from various individuals including the match fees from the replayed game. A big thank you to those who contributed towards the purchase and the memory of Ron will live on.
The hire of the Main Hall has led to more and more groups using the facilities at the Club. There is now a martial arts group on a Saturday morning and the playgroup have transferred location from the Methodist Church to the Club on a Tuesday and Friday mornings. Saturdays evenings are proving very popular with entertainment and members bookings sharing the available dates. Sunday afternoon/evenings now attract christenings, member’s birthdays and private functions all making use of the room. RODSEC held their ‘Eyes Front’ performance in October starring Isla St.Clair which attracted a large attendance for an excellent show. We were advised that the performers thoroughly appreciated the facilities and the size of the audience. Bookings for 2014 are well advanced and the Committee are delighted that the Club is being used more frequently. It is a village institution and all financial proceeds are channelled back into providing an enhanced environment for its members and guests.
Health and Safety has been an important consideration during the past 12 months to ensure compliance with legislation. PAT electrical testing, fire safety improvements, door monitoring and general maintenance work have all been carried out. This coupled with the final payments being made for the Door Entry System and Air Conditioning Units which were spread over a 5/7 year period have stabilised the financial position from previous years.
Following on from the Club’s success with the Scarecrow Competition in July we are now preparing for the Advent Festival held in St. Mary’s Church during November/December. Our theme of ‘Great Expectations’ is based on the Club’s commitment to building a new bowls pavilion and the expectations of its members. When this report is read it is likely that the event will have been held so hopefully the Club’s representatives will have made a good contribution.
Christmas is going to be a busy time for the Committee and particularly the staff. The Club is open as usual on Christmas Day for two hours over the lunch time period, which always proves very popular, together with normal opening times over the festive period.
New Year’s Eve sees a disco featuring Night Beat with tickets at £5.00 (members ) and £8.00 (guests) with half price charged for children aged 12months and over. The numbers attending on the evening have been reduced to a maximum of 130 (previously 150) to encourage more dancing and a seat for all. Music will commence at 7.00 pm and carry on throughout the evening to ensure that a good time can be had by all. Tickets are available from the Club and once 130 have been sold no more will be printed.
The Club has restructured its staffing levels by now having two Senior Bar Managers sharing the responsibilities i.e. Fran Dawes and Lisa Croisdale. This arrangement coupled with our other hard working members of staff has proved a success over the past 6 months. Why not visit the Club, see the facilities and become a member. Subscriptions are due on the 1st January 2014 and Committee members will be collecting these during the first three weeks of the New Year. It is worth noting that without the support from its members the Club cannot survive and we always encourage new ideas so put your thoughts into action by speaking or writing to the Secretary or a member of the Committee.
Regular Events
Monday – Line Dancing 7.00 – 10.30pm
Wednesday – Zumba 7.00 – 8.00pm followed by Quiz commencing at 9.15pm
Thursday – Whist 7.00 – 10.00pm
Friday – Cash Bingo 8.00 – 10.00pm
Saturday – Martial Arts (Children) 9.00 – 10.00am
Saturday Evening entertainment as per schedule.
Forthcoming Entertainment
Saturday 14th December – BIG LIX – 4-piece classic rock and blues band
including music from Brian Adams, Cult, Rolling Stones, Tom Jones etc.
Saturday 21st December – FAMILY DISCO - A Christmas Special for the whole
family. A great way to start off the Christmas Festivities so come along and
have fun.
Tuesday 31st December – NEW YEARS DISCO – NIGHT BEAT playing the best music of
all time. Ticketed event
The Entertainment Programme for the early part of 2014 is presently being finalised and will be published in the near future.
Rolleston Club Village Gala
Firstly, I must say a very big thank you to everyone concerned with this
year’s Gala, as well as the enormous amount of work that everyone on the
Committee did. We had fantastic support from local organisations and businesses
and from both the Parish and County Councils. It was a record breaker with the
most number of entries and the most money raised. Local charities benefitting
from the success were the Almshouses Restoration Fund which received a donation
of £1729.64, Rolleston Club also received this amount towards the bowls pavilion
and the Rolleston Scout Group Kenya appeal which received £432.41 .
New to the event was the craft market in St Mary's Church, which was organised
solely by Tessa Dunleavy (another big thank you needed) and this added greatly
to the whole event.
Kate Goldsmith
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Winning Limericks on the theme of Transport
First Prize - Jenny Phillips
Now Rolleston is missing its news
The Starbucks have gone on a cruise
They sailed round the Med
Flogged their postcards and bread
Missed Gibraltar because of the queues
Second Prize - Trevor Foster
There was a young lady from Rio
Who purchased a gold coloured Clio
She married a man
With a great big Afghan
And now they ride round as a trio!
Joint third - Phil Irwin
The train it was late into Crewe
I could hear the faint sound of a moo
For a cow on the track
Caused the train to turn back
A delay for the wrong kind of poo
Joint third - Liz Murphy
A farmer who bought a new tractor
Taught it to dance for x factor
He smiled at Amanda
With eyes like a panda
But sadly he failed to attract 'er
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It may seem a long time ago since Transport Day took place but it was only at the end of May when this very successful event was held in the village. The Club played its part by providing refreshments and also the use of its toilet facilities which received many favourable comments from visitors following the refurbishment last year. The Club were supported on the day by staff, committee and family members and volunteers who all gave their spare time to support an important date in the calendar. We would like to express our appreciation to everyone who helped before and on the day to make it all possible.
As in previous years the Club entered the Gardens Sunday Celebrity Scarecrow Competition in early July. Lisa Croisdale, a new member of staff, entered into the spirit of the competition and created an excellent ‘scarecrow’ in the form of Joanne Lumley (TV fame). To the delight of everyone at the Club the Judges awarded ‘Patsy’ first prize in the Business Organisation section. Special thanks must go to Lisa and also the helpers who on the Sunday morning added the final touches to the ‘Ab Fab’ feature.
The Burnside Coffee Lounge continues to provide excellent value for money and a meeting place for the village and surrounding area. Kim continues to vary her menu and the reputation of this excellent facility goes from strength to strength. If you have not visited the Lounge just call in and enjoy the ‘specials’ and cake specialities on offer. At the end of August Kim is taking a well deserved break. Until her return on Monday 7th September coffee will still be available during normal licensing hours but the daily menu will be suspended for this period of time.
We are now looking forward to Gala Day at the end of August. The Club will again participate fully in the Horticulture Show, another special for the village. Rolleston is a delightful village and many organisations work together to provide another highlight in the calendar for all to enjoy.
As the year moves on towards autumn the Club is looking towards its winter activities. Teams are to be entered in the Snooker Leagues, Darts (ladies and men) and Dominoes. Whist, Bingo and the Wednesday Quiz will also continue on a similar basic to previous years. Members are entitled to use all the Club’s activities throughout the year and support the committee in providing activities for the people of Rolleston and the surrounding areas.
The Bowls Section continues to flourish in the excellent weather with many of our teams striving to gain success in the various Leagues. On the 23rd July Rolleston Veterans ‘A’ team were successful in winning the Charity Shield against Eton Park which is the first trophy to be won this season with, hopefully, others to follow. Recently a County representative match was played on the Rolleston green with favourable feedback received on the green and also the Club’s facilities. All we need now is the replacement of the pavilion and improved wheelchair access to add even greater recognition of the Rolleston Bowls Section. A decision on the grant for the replacement of the pavilion is expected in August.
In the Main Hall new square tables have been purchased to add the final touch to the refurbishment of the room. The décor, chairs, carpet, seating etc. have resulted in an increase in bookings for the facilities with two wedding receptions booked for later in the year. The Club’s Main Hall will also be used by RoDSEC, Royal British Legion and the Choral Society to present their own special events. If anyone needs a room for a function come and look at the Main Hall to determine if it meets with your requirements. The hire charges are very reasonable and very competitive with other venues in the Burton area.
The Club has its own web page which can be visited at www.rollestonclub.org.uk and now has been added to Facebook where information relating to Club activities and items of interest can be found.
The entertainment programme for the period until the New Year has been booked. We have some new groups coupled with many favourites featuring on a Saturday night. The Committee have reviewed the time entertainment should commence and have agreed that artistes should begin their performance at 8.45pm and actually play for a two hour period in total.
Another addition which has recently been proposed is to hold a Family Disco on a Sunday evening during the school holiday period. We hope that this will be well supported and give the opportunity for the whole family to have an evening out together in a convivial atmosphere. Further details will be shown on the Club notice boards.
Listed below is the programme of events up to the New Year.
Entertainment commences at 8.45 pm and there is a small charge for members and their guests.
Forthcoming Entertainment
Saturday 31st August – THREE’S COMPANY – a versatile band playing a variety
of pop, rock and blues together with current chart hits.
Saturday 14th September – JERRY & THE JIVE STARS – Top ‘rock’n’roll band include
a special tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis
Saturday 21st September – ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Evening with Tommy ‘T’.
Saturday 28th September – PLAYING LAYZEE – A 4-piece band playing hits from the
60’s to present day. The group include all- time great hits with the music of
Reaner, Adele, Pink etc.
Saturday 12th October – ANT HILL MOB – Versatile rock’n’roll and blues band with
music from 50’s to present day returning after a great performance last
December.
Saturday 19th October – CRUSADERS – One of the original Midlands hit bands. This
4-piece band play 60’s rock covers and are great to dance to.
Saturday 2nd November – SILICONE TAXIS – Burton’s premier soul funk and
rock’n’roll band. Will keep you entertained all evening. Without doubt one of
the best bands in the region.
Saturday 23rd November – FREDDIE MERCURY TRIBUTE – re-live Queens greatest hits
with a superb tribute act and specialist lead guitarist. Tickets £3.00 members
and £4.00 guests.
Saturday 30th November – FUNCTION FACTOR – Versatile 5-piece band with female
vocalist playing middle of the road favourites, mo-town, soft rock and pop
music.
Saturday 14th December – BIG LIX – 4-piece classic rock and blues band including
music from Brian Adams, Cult, Rolling Stones, Tom Jones etc.
Tuesday 31st December – NEW YEARS DISCO – NIGHT BEAT playing the best music of
all time. Ticketed event
The Club held its Annual General Meeting in April and members were advised of the current financial position and the major improvements made to the Club during 2012. The Committee reported on a successful year but added that there was still more work necessary to improve certain facilities.
The Main Hall has been fully decorated with new carpet laid to enhance the décor of the room, carpet tiles have been replaced on the stage with the ambience of the hall now having a much more modern appearance. The room is available for hire by members at a reasonable rate and further details are available from the Committee or staff at the Club. The Club also has a Committee Room with tables and seating for small groups. This is a private room and can be hired by those who wish to have a place to discuss/arrange their events or functions.
The Bowls season has now commenced and the Club has representation in the Burton, South Derbyshire and East Midlands Leagues. Both the Ladies and Gents teams have a full programme of matches and much activity on the bowling green is anticipated in the next few months. The Club is pleased to report that is has been granted £577 from the East Staffordshire Sports Council in the form of a grant for bowls equipment. This is greatly appreciated and will assist the Club to re-introduce training sessions for members of the public to take up the game. Part of the award is a number of new woods which can be used by newcomers of all ages to try the game before committing themselves to additional expense.
The Committee have decided to make a formal application to replace the existing wooden bowls pavilion with a purpose built brick building. Plans have been drawn up, planning approval has been requested and quotations sought to carry out the work. It is hoped that some of the finance will be provided by a grant from a recognised body and the forms have been submitted for consideration. The dead-line date is the 29th May so we can only keep our fingers crossed for our bold venture.
The first meeting of the Gala Committee took place in April for the Horticultural Show on Monday 26th August 2013. The event is to be on similar lines to the two previous years and the list of classes is itemised in this edition of the Rollestonian. Modifications have been made to some classifications and hopefully more people will enter this year to support this village event. The Croft and the Club are to be used as venues with refreshments available on the day.
Line dancing and Zumba classes take place on a Monday and Wednesday evenings respectively. Line dancing commences at 7 pm for beginners with more advance classes later in the evening and finishes at 10 pm. Zumba begins at 7 pm for an hour and has proved very popular with young and old alike. The classes are open to all so give it a try.
The Club organises a weekly quiz on a Wednesday evening with a gallon of ale to the winners. This is a well organised event and more members are invited to participate showing their knowledge and hopefully winning a good prize. If you would like to participate come along and join in the fun.
Entertainment continues to be an important feature of Club activities. At the Annual General Meeting considerable discussion took place on the type of entertainment the Club provides and these comments have been noted. A list of artists/groups scheduled to visit the Club during the next few months is show at the end of this report.
Forthcoming Entertainment
1st June - 4 Play – A four-piece band performing hits across the 50’s 60’s
and 70’s. Great to dance to or sit back and enjoy.
15th June – Top Cats – A four-piece band playing rock including Buddy Holly,
Gene Vincent, Elvis and Chuck Berry. One of the best bands in the Midlands.
29th June – Errol Cole – A superb vocalist. X Factor finalist singing Motown.
One of the country’s top solo artistes. Back by popular demand.
27th July – Reflections – Three piece 60’s covers band playing music from the
60’s to present day.
10th August – Jerry and the Jive Stars – Top ‘rock’n’roll’ band inc. a special
tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis.
17th August – Motown Disco
Entertainment commences at 9.00 pm and there is a small charge for members and their guests.
Christmas has come and gone at the Club and the Committee are looking forward to the New Year. We are to be heavily involved in the various village activities and join in with the other organisations in making Rolleston a village to visit in 2013.
In January 44 senior Club members were prepared a four course Christmas meal by our qualified catering staff and were entertained by ‘Tommy T’. Everyone appeared to enjoy the party with positive feed-back being received from those present. The evening finished with a dance and sing-a-long with our local entertainer.
The Burnside Coffee Lounge has continued to be a feature of the Club and Kim Owen and her team were delighted to receive a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating from the Food Standards Agency in November. The quality of the food, the cleanliness of the facilities, hygiene procedures and efficient standard of paperwork contributed to this excellent result. If you have still not visited the Coffee Lounge give it a try and share in this excellent village facility.
The Club’s Main Hall continues to attract many bookings with a marked increase in Children’s Parties at a week-end. The room can be hired by members at very reasonable rates and provides a very good function room for all types of celebrations including anniversaries, birthdays, parties and weddings. Catering can be provided by the Club’s staff to suit most requirements and if you wish to discuss these options just call into the Club and see what is on offer.
The Club offers a variety of activities for its membership including Bingo on a Friday, Whist (Thursday), Quiz and Zumba (Wednesday) and Line Dancing (Mondays). All these evenings are arranged to enable members to have a night out and meet friends in a convivial atmosphere. The Bowls season commences in April and the Club Teams are looking forward to a successful season. The Bowling Green is in excellent condition and the Bowls Annual General Meeting will be held before the season commences to elect the Captains of the various teams. If any member wishes to be involved in team activities contact a Club Official to discuss the options available. Members can also use the Bowling Green, (when the Club is open and no match is taking place) for practise but they must ensure that the appropriate footwear is worn.
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the end of March/early April when the Club’s accounts will be presented to the membership. It has been a very eventful year with major improvements made to the Club. There are still many areas the Committee would like to improve but finance has to be carefully managed to ensure the continued viability of the Club. We would like to have more input from members and nomination lists will be available soon for positions on the Committee. If you feel you can add value to the Club’s activities or come up with fresh ideas which will appeal to the membership please put your name forward. The Committee needs additional support and your input could be vital in moving the Club forward or at least maintaining what we have now.
The entertainment programme has an appealing look in the forthcoming months with a Tom Jones Tribute Evening planned for the 4th May. This special evening will be a ticketed event with prices being £2.50 for members and £4.00 for guests. The Club has also arranged a Skittles Evening and a Race Night which will be open to members and guests and it is hoped that these will be well supported. More details will be posted on the notice boards in the next few months.
A schedule of the Club’s future Saturday evening entertainment programme is listed over.
Entertainment commences at 9.00 pm and there is a small charge for members and their guests.
The Club is looking to attracting additional members so if you are interested in joining call in for a form. It only costs £12 per annum (plus key fob) and for this you can share in the activities and receive the benefits associated with being a member.
Forthcoming Entertainment
2nd March - Bass & Alex (Winner of last year’s ‘Burton’s Got Talent). Top
class male/female duo singing classic pop.
16th March – Big Lix a 4-piece classic rock’n’roll band ..
24th March – Skittles Evening.
30th March - Silicon Taxis – Soul, funk and rock’n’roll band.
27th April - Front Page – 60’s /90’s covers band including Searchers, Gerry &
Pacemakers and Dusty Springfield Hits.
4th May - Tom Jones Tribute.
11th May - Race Night
18th May - Jerry & Jive Stars – Award winning band including special tribute to
Jerry Lee Lewis.
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Last updated: 9 February 2014