In our continued effort to promote local talent and bring new bands to the social club, we are extremely pleased to announce that The Kaos Theory will be performing a set on the night of Friday 26th March - FREE ENTRY so please come along and see this dynamic young group! More information about the band and their showcase night, click here!

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CHOCOHOLICS FUNDRAISER - CHEQUE PRESENTATION

We are pleased to announce that the sum raised at the Chocoholics Night has been divided between the two worthy causes that are particularly important to organiser Penny Wilkinson.

The above photograph was taken at the Ambulance Station when Penny and Moureen visited to hand over the cheque. From left to right: paramedic Jane Wheatley, Penny Wilkinson, Moureen Chivers and paramedic Adrian Holloway.

Penny and Moureen then went to the Intensive Care Unit where Sister June Pook (pictured in the centre above) gratefully received the second of the cheques. Penny and the social club would like to thank all those who supported the Chocoholics night and helped raise the money for the donations. We hope to stage a similar event later in the year and do hope that you will give it your support.

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CENTREFOLDS & CURRY NIGHT LOOKS SET TO BE A SUCCESS

ETHAN SMITH TRUST CHARITY NIGHT IS A SELL OUT

FUNDRAISING CURRY NIGHT

DETAILS OF EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA NOW AVAILABLE

NIGHTSHIFT SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT

Local group Nightshift are the first group to take advantage of our recent offer for the free use of the hall. They will be performing on Friday 5th March and they are keen for anyone to come along and listen to their music. The social club are looking to hear your feedback.
The 4 piece band comprise of drums, keyboard, guitar and base. The group members admit that whilst they are no spring chickens, they all have many years of experience of playing in a band. Reformed after a break of 2 years, the group specialise in playing 60's music. Come along and judge for yourself. They already have a number of weddings and anniversaries booked for this year, but feel free to enquire about their availability if you'd like them to play at your event.

BATH MALE CHOIR ARE RUNNING FOR CHARITY

SNEAKERS RALLY SUPPORT FOR THE ETHAN SMITH TRUST

IMPORTANT NOTICE : PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NEW SITE OWNERS

On behalf of the Social club Committee, thank you for your patience regarding the many requests you've had about the future of the factory site, it's new owners and the subsequent effect on the Social Club. We are now able to present you with the following release. Obviously we are aware that you will have many more questions and in due course we will keep you advised on all developments regarding the Social Club and our relationship with the new site owner.

The former Alcan site in Midsomer Norton has been bought by developers Galliford Try Group – and the views of local residents are now being sought about how it can be developed.

The new owners say the site presents an exciting regeneration opportunity that will enhance the area and boost confidence in it as a place to live and work.

Alcan closed in July 2006 with the loss of 218 jobs and since then there has been speculation over what would happen to the Mardon's Social Club which has its building on the site.

A spokeswoman for the Galliford Try Group said the company would be working with all the stakeholders to help shape the site and its regeneration.

She said: "We are promising to work with the social club to help them find a way forward.

"The site presents an exciting regeneration opportunity for the town and our aim will be to provide a high-quality scheme that will enhance the area and boost confidence in it as a place to live and work.

"We intend to begin the process of drawing up proposals by seeking local views.

"The company has been behind the regeneration of Kingston Mills in Bradford on -Avon, which is a mixed use of development creating employment and housing.

The spokeswoman said: "As a company we have a track record of working with the local community on complex major projects.

"The company says it will be putting together preliminary site surveys and discussions with the social club on site access, security and future options.

They will be working with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Norton Radstock Town Council, the Somer Valley Partnership, residents and others and there will also be opportunities for local people to contribute their views.

She said: "While the market remains cautious, we have great confidence in the potential of the Midsomer Norton area and look forward to working with a range of people and organisations to develop a high quality regeneration scheme.

"Ward councillor Rob Appleyard welcomed news the future of the site was being mapped.

He said: "It's heartening to have a well-respected developer such as Galliford Try show a commitment to deliver the right development. Their track record of consulting with the community is very good so the residents and myself look forward to make a meaningful contribution to the plans."

WEB SITE UPDATE 26.01.09

ENTERTAINMENT CANCELLED SATURDAY 9th JANUARY

MARDONS CARNIVAL CLUB A.G.M.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT THE SOCIAL CLUB

SOME CHRISTMAS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE (23.12.09)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: BUSINESS AS USUAL AT SOCIAL CLUB

- An official response to the current rumours.

There are many rumours going round regarding the sale of the factory and consequently of the club.

The Committee has had feedback from Simon Swann, who is the person from Alcan who is in charge of the lease renewal each year and from Kate Anthony-Wilkinson, the Alcan solicitor who is responsible for the legal aspects of the lease.

They have confirmed, as most of you will have heard, that Alcan continues to be in discussion with a potential buyer of the site. At this stage we do not know who the buyer is.

These negotiations appear to be advanced so should they be completed and the site is sold, Alcan will put us in touch with new site owner. This was always their stated commitment to us.

The new potential owner has confirmed that they would like to see the club continue.

If and when a sale happens, we will look to meet with the new owner to discuss the way forward as far as the club is concerned.

Until any sale is complete it is business as usual for the club and tickets for Xmas, Boxing Day and New Year will go on sale as planned. Skittles teams, Snooker teams and the Billiard team should continue to expect their fixtures to be completed as planned.

Any further developments will be fed back to members, first hand, please be assured of that.

ALCAN MARDON ANNUAL REUNION

It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since the first reunion party was organised, but on December 19th Alcan Mardon Social Club will welcome back all the ex-factory employees and pensioners for another night of entertainment and frivolity. It was great to see old friends meeting up again last year, many had lost touch with colleagues after the closure of the factory and everyone had gone their separate ways. The committee would like to think that word may have spread to even more of the workers this year and that they too will join the gathering and bring their families. Please spread the word

Entertainment will be provided by the sensational group 'Playground' who some will have seen perform at the club before. Entry to the evening is free to everyone and the club would like to make it clear that although its a reunion night, everyone will be made most welcome.

KIDS CHRISTMAS EVE FUNDAY

Thanks to the organisation by Claire and Lucy, last year saw a very successful Funday for the local kids and their parents and guardians. We will be happy to see anyone come along and join us this year for another afternoon of fun. Adults can make use of the bar whilst their kids are entertained and hopefully worn out by Lucy, Claire and their helpers. Find out more here, and See some photo from last years event here.

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-A-LONG

On Friday December 18th we are having a sing-a-long of Christmas carols and seasonal music throughout the evening. Please come along and join us for some Christmas cheer. All ages are welcome and we're sure you'll enjoy your evening with us. Music will come from Paulton Band.

CHOCOHOLICS CHARITY NIGHT SWEET SUCCESS

The Social Club would like to thank everyone who supported Penny and Rob when they hosted the charity night at the social club. We would also like to extend our thanks to both Penny and Rob for the huge effort they put in to making the night successful and congratulate them on raising a substantial amount for their chosen charities Paulton Ambulance Station and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospital.

THANK YOU TO CARNIVAL CLUBS!

We would like to say thank you to all of the Carnival Clubs that joined us for the After Carnival Party, we hope you enjoyed it. Despite the poor weather, spirits remained high, congratulations to everyone and we hope you all had a great carnival season.

ENJOY THE DR WHO SPECIAL ON THE BIG SCREEN

See Dr Who - The Waters Of Mars, on the BIG SCREEN. On Sunday, 15th November, the social club will be screening the latest Dr Who Special as David Tennant nears the end of his time as the Doctor. Dr Who is a family favourite and as such the club will be open to anyone who wants to come along and enjoy it. Families are extremely welcome, entry is free and Dr Who will be bigger and bolder than you've seen it before!

THANK YOU TO ASDA FROME!

We would like to say a huge thank you to the staff at ASDA superstore Frome who very generously gave us some of their Halloween store displays, to help us decorate the Social Club for our Halloween Fancy Dress Charity Night. ASDA once again have a great selection of Halloween costumes, decorations and treats. The store is currently supporting the Tickled Pink campaign so please give generously when you visit.

The club should be well decorated once again this year so please come along and support the event - dress to kill and try to win our "best dressed" competitions!

CHOCOHOLICS PARTY - FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

At 8p.m. on Friday 13th November, the Social Club will host a chocolate party and help raise funds for two local worthwhile causes, Paulton Ambulance Station and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospital. Penny Wilkinson, a regular face at the club is organising the event and there will be samples and tasters available on the night. There will be a luxury raffle and Penny will be selling raffle tickets in advance of the evening. It's an excellent opportunity to get some christmas presents or to just treat yourself. The evening is free and open to everyone, so please come along and bring your friends. Chocolates for Chocoholics catalogues are available at the club and order forms are enclosed should you want to place an order prior to the night. Alternatively contact Penny directly on 01761 419356 should you require more information.

AFTER CARNIVAL PARTY

With Carnival Season fast approaching, we send our best wishes to Mardons Carnival Club, for a successful and enjoyable time in November. After the huge success of last year's After Carnival Party, we are happy to announce that we are holding another this year.

CHRISTMAS PERIOD EVENTS ANNOUNCED

We would like to announce the Christmas period events at the social club, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve tickets will be on sale in November.

CHARITY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Our annual Fancy Dress Halloween Party will be held on Saturday October 31st. As always, all funds raised will be donated to Dorothy House Hospice Care. Please come along and bring your friends and family. Fancy dress is optional but we would prefer you to make an effort to get into the Halloween spirit. Find out more about our charity night here.

BACK TO SCHOOL FANCY DRESS DISCO

On Friday 21st August, Mardons Carnival Club are hosting a fancy dress party at the club. It's themed as a school disco.

Last years membership to the Social Club expired at the end of June. We have been accepting renewals since May and the need to renew has been well advertised for some time.

As of July 1st you may be asked to show your current membership card in order to receive the members discounted price when purchasing drinks. If you are unable to produce your card or refuse to show it when asked you will be charged the full price. You will also need to show your card on a Saturday night if you want to take advantage of the free entry when there is entertainment.

Old membership cards, 'associate members' or 'full members' are no longer valid.

If you are a full member, the membership fee of £5 is an optional donation that will be used to improve aspects of the club. Anyone else requiring membership will be charged £5 - application forms are available from the bar. The current membership cards are shown above.

Unfortunately the Music Quiz in aid of the charity Dorothy House Hospice Care had to be cancelled due to a lack of support. We would like to thank the few teams that did book their places and apologise to them and obviously to Dorothy House who rely on the support of events such as this in order to provide their much needed care.

In the past entry for Saturday nights when there is entertainment has been charged at £1 for members and £2 for non-members. As of Saturday 16th May entry charges will change*. As an incentive to members there will be no charge to anyone who is able to show their current membership card. Non members will continue to pay the £2 entry - but we would urge regular visitors to become members. Membership is still just £5 per person (the £5 is an optional donation if you are an ex-employee) and so this initial cost will be quickly made back if you visit the club on just a few Saturdays. Memberships run from July through to June, but if you apply for a membership now you will be given a card that is valid immediately and will last until June 2010 - Please ask for a membership form from behind the bar and we look forward to seeing you for some great entertainment.

We are currently accepting entries for Summer Skittles. Please enter early to avoid disappointment. Leave your details being the bar for the attention of Bill or send all your details to us by email. Teams comprise of six people of which there must be two females. Matches will start in early May.

Those of you who've been visiting the club on the Saturdays in March will be aware of the great response our free entry offer has received. There have been many new faces visiting and so we are keen to encourage this new trend. We have therefore decided to extend the offer for a further month, and continue to monitor the attendance. Please enjoy the free entry offer and the groups appearing throughout April.

The Henry Ford Trust and the Sneakers would like to thank Mardons Social Club for allowing us to hold the charity dance on Friday 20th March at their premises. Many thanks also to the people that attended, also thanks to everyone that gave prizes or donated monies. The total raised for the Friday including including the raffles and donations also the admission to the event of which we would like to thank Roger Jones for the painting he gave to the entry draw was: £2039. On the following night Mardons donated the raffle takings which came to £125. A collection was also taken at Mardons on the Saturday night and this amounted to £105, a grand total of £2269. Many thanks to all concerned.

We will soon be booking our entertainment for the second half of the year. We value your feedback and would very much like to hear your comments about the groups you've seen at the club. We would also like you to tell us of any act that you may want to see appearing at the club - perhaps give us contact numbers or information for groups you have seen elsewhere.

If you are part of a duo or group and would like to be considered for a booking at the social club please get in touch by email and give us your details and direct contact information. We are keen to hear from any suitable group or duo and particularly local talent.

The combination of the free entry on Saturdays in March and the recent advertising in the Somerset Guardian and local Journal seems to be paying dividends. Despite people feeling the need to watch their spending, the club is enjoying busy Saturday nights. Free entertainment and very low bar prices are proving that an enjoyable night out doesn't have to cost a lot.

The recent advertising of free venue for party bookings has also proved a popular option for locals. Most recent Fridays have been busy due to Birthdays and wedding anniversaries with weekends seeing the club host Christenings.

We are pleased to see so many new faces visiting the club and hope they all enjoy their time with us and call back regularly.

The Somerset Guardian and Local Journal gave us some great publicity when they published our latest press release. (Feb 18th 2009)

Don't forget we're here, say social club organisers

Midsomer Norton's Alcan Mardon Social Club has been going for 30 years, has an active membership of more than 500 people, and has been getting lots of publicity in the past few years.

But despite this, it seems to be Midsomer Norton's best kept secret. Jamie Long, a club spokesman, said: "The committee running the club is amazed at just how many people are totally unaware of its existence."

One member, he said, had been delivering promotional flyers around the Nightingale Estate at Norton Hill and "she was astonished to find that some residents were oblivious to the fact that the social club was within a short walk of them".

He said: "Others thought the club had closed when the factory shut two years ago, while a few who were aware of it believed it could only be used by 'Alcan-Mardon people'."

The committee was keen to let everyone know that, although the club was tucked away along a road through the factory car park, the club exists and was there to be used and enjoyed by the whole community, said Mr Long.

He added: "Bar prices are among the cheapest in the area, well below pub prices, and as an added incentive all entry charges on Saturday nights in March have been dropped.

"It is hoped free entry will attract new people to the club, offering them a cheap night out and providing them with professional, high quality entertainment in a friendly atmosphere."

Popular groups, including Neon Rainbeaux and Sneakers, have been booked for live entertainment in the coming weeks.

The social club and club favourites Sneakers will host a charity night for the Henry Ford Trust on Friday 20th March. Entry will be by raffle ticket. Tickets are £5 and the prize will be a print by local artist Roger Jones. All non members will be required to buy a raffle ticket. Members of the social club do not have to purchase a raffle ticket but we do ask that they consider making a donation to this worthy charity.
Find out more here.

The Journal published our press release this week and we are now taking bookings for parties.

'At a time when everyone is struggling with their finances, Alcan Mardon Social Club is offering an alternative to the expense of hiring a venue for parties and other functions. Although the social club cannot be booked exclusively for private parties, for some time now it has successfully allowed members to hold their own events there, along side its regulars.

The social club is now extending that offer to the wider community and hopes that it will be of benefit to anyone looking for a welcoming, friendly venue - FREE OF CHARGE!

With the club comfortably able to hold up to 200 people, it can easily accommodate both its regulars as normal, as well as host parties and other group events. The club has held Birthdays (excluding 18 and 21st), christening and Christmas parties in the past and would happily consider requests for any new bookings, subject to available dates and the agreement of the committee.

The club has a well stocked bar with very reasonably priced drinks and whilst it cannot provide food for events, it is happy to allow catering to be done off of the premises and brought in.

If you are planning an event or party and would like to discuss the possibility of holding it at Alcan Mardon Social Club, please get in touch. Send your details and query to socialclubinfo@googlemail.com or telephone the club after 7pm week days or 12 noon at weekends and leave your request and contact details. Tel 07514059620. For more information about Alcan Mardon Social Club visit the website :www.socialclub-info.co.uk.'

We are holding our next cabaret on February 28th and tickets are now on sale from the Social Club bar. Tickets are priced at £8 per person if bought in advance or £10 if bought on the night.

On New Year's Eve Glyn flies out to Orlando Florida to prepare for his sponsored marathon and half marathon which is run over two consecutive days. Over the Christmas period visitors to the club have been really generous, sponsoring and donating money which will go to Cancer Research UK . The raffle organised for the Boxing Day Disco will also go towards Glyn's final total.

We hope that everyone who joined us for the reunion night had a good time. It was a packed night that brought together many of the ex-employees and the pensioners as well as our regulars.

It was great to see so many friends meeting up again and we hope to make this a regular event. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you back at the club again soon.

Thank you to Lucy, Claire and their many helpers for preparing and running such a great event for the local children and their parents and guardians. After some great publicity in both the local Journal and Somerset Guardian the day was really well attended and all the kids had a great time.
We would love to hold more events aimed at the entire family during the year, keep track of upcoming events on the web site and in the local press. See some photos from the Family Fun Day here.

Some visitors to the website have let us know that the Halloween photo's slide show doesn't work on their computer. Therefore we have created some new pages that should be easily viewed on all computers. Visit the new page of Halloween photos.

We are hoping to provide a great afternoon for local children on Christmas Eve afternoon. Claire Mclachlan and Lucy Chivers are organising fun and games and will lead the singing of carols at the end of the afternoon.

A year ago, members of Midsomer Norton's Alcan Mardon Social Club were gloomy. After the town's Alcan packaging plant closed, there were fears that their clubhouse would close as well. But hopes for a bright future are now high.

The club has been given a 12-month extension on its lease, which it hopes to renew next summer, and it all looks good, said club chairman Brian Nairn. "The club has a new committee and we are really progressing well," he said this week.

Fundraising for charities is something for which the club is famous, and a recent Halloween dance has seen lots of support for Dorothy House Hospice. Mr Nairn said much more is to come, benefiting the people who rely on the club for social events and for meeting old comrades.

"On Saturday, December 27, we are holding an Alcan family reunion night with special guests The Alligators to perform for us. "Entry will be free and we will have special promotions on the night. "We also hope to start the music early to give families with youngsters the opportunity to pop in and see us." This event will also be supported by the Alcan Pensioner's Association.

"It will be two years to the week since the factory closed, so this is a really good time to all meet up again," said Mr Nairn.

CONGRATULATIONS MARDONS CARNIVAL CLUB

With many carnival clubs struggling to survive it's good to see Mardons Carnival Club back in procession with a full entry. After a couple of years of entering with just the decorated generator section, this year 's 'Ugly Girl' is the full cart! The carnival club works hard all year to raise money to build their entry and take part in the Somerset Carnival circuit and these processions in turn raise thousands and thousands of pounds for a whole host of worthy charities. Keep up the good work.

The Social Club played host to the official Midsomer Norton 'After Carnival Party' this year and we'd like to thank all the carnival clubs, masqueraders and entrants that joined us to celebrate. We hope you enjoyed the disco and took full advantage of the bar! We would really like you to join us again next year and wish you all well for the remaining carnivals!

Here is a quick look at the highlights from Bridgwater Carnival. Click here for more carnival highlights

CHARITY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Thanks to everyone who attended the Halloween Fancy Dress Party and supported Dorothy House Hospice Care by making donations and buying raffle tickets. We hope you enjoyed your time with us and hope to see you back again soon.

Some of the weird and wonderful costumes from the event can now be seen by clicking here, it's a slide show that runs with flash. Make sure you have the relevant plug-ins installed and then just press play!

GLYN PEARCE'S GOOFY CHALLENGE

Committee member and 'Cash Manager' of the Social Club Glyn Pearce is also out to support another worthy cause. Those of you who know Glyn will be well aware of his past sponsored fundraising events which have included running the London marathon on several occasions.

Next year Glyn will be taking his challenge to the next level by participating in the 'Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge', a weekend that consists of a half marathon on 10th January and a full marathon on 11th January. Glyn will fly out to Orlando Florida and will be running to raise funds for Cancer Research UK .Please sign his sponsor form which is available at the Social Club. Please give generously, this is a massive undertaking, but as Glyn says 'it seemed a good idea at the time!!'

Archived News & Information

THE KAOS THEORY TO APPEAR ON SHOWCASE NIGHT

CHOCOHOLICS FUNDRAISER - CHEQUE PRESENTATION

CENTREFOLDS & CURRY NIGHT LOOKS SET TO BE A SUCCESS

ETHAN SMITH TRUST CHARITY NIGHT IS A SELL OUT

FUNDRAISING CURRY NIGHT

DETAILS OF EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA NOW AVAILABLE

NIGHTSHIFT SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT

BATH MALE CHOIR ARE RUNNING FOR CHARITY

SNEAKERS RALLY SUPPORT FOR THE ETHAN SMITH TRUST

IMPORTANT NOTICE : PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NEW SITE OWNERS

WEB SITE UPDATE 26.01.09

ENTERTAINMENT CANCELLED SATURDAY 9th JANUARY

MARDONS CARNIVAL CLUB A.G.M.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT THE SOCIAL CLUB

SOME CHRISTMAS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE (23.12.09)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: BUSINESS AS USUAL AT SOCIAL CLUB

- An official response to the current rumours.

ALCAN MARDON ANNUAL REUNION

KIDS CHRISTMAS EVE FUNDAY

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-A-LONG

CHOCOHOLICS CHARITY NIGHT SWEET SUCCESS

THANK YOU TO CARNIVAL CLUBS!

ENJOY THE DR WHO SPECIAL ON THE BIG SCREEN

THANK YOU TO ASDA FROME!

CHOCOHOLICS PARTY - FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

AFTER CARNIVAL PARTY

CHRISTMAS PERIOD EVENTS ANNOUNCED

CHARITY HALLOWEEN PARTY

BACK TO SCHOOL FANCY DRESS DISCO

CONGRATULATIONS MARDONS CARNIVAL CLUB

CHARITY HALLOWEEN PARTY

GLYN PEARCE'S GOOFY CHALLENGE

Archived News & Information

THE KAOS THEORY TO APPEAR ON SHOWCASE NIGHT

CHOCOHOLICS FUNDRAISER - CHEQUE PRESENTATION

CENTREFOLDS & CURRY NIGHT LOOKS SET TO BE A SUCCESS

ETHAN SMITH TRUST CHARITY NIGHT IS A SELL OUT

FUNDRAISING CURRY NIGHT

DETAILS OF EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA NOW AVAILABLE

NIGHTSHIFT SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT

BATH MALE CHOIR ARE RUNNING FOR CHARITY

SNEAKERS RALLY SUPPORT FOR THE ETHAN SMITH TRUST

IMPORTANT NOTICE : PRESS RELEASE FROM THE NEW SITE OWNERS

WEB SITE UPDATE 26.01.09

ENTERTAINMENT CANCELLED SATURDAY 9th JANUARY

MARDONS CARNIVAL CLUB A.G.M.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT THE SOCIAL CLUB

SOME CHRISTMAS TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE (23.12.09)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: BUSINESS AS USUAL AT SOCIAL CLUB - An official response to the current rumours.

ALCAN MARDON ANNUAL REUNION

KIDS CHRISTMAS EVE FUNDAY

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-A-LONG

CHOCOHOLICS CHARITY NIGHT SWEET SUCCESS

THANK YOU TO CARNIVAL CLUBS!

ENJOY THE DR WHO SPECIAL ON THE BIG SCREEN

THANK YOU TO ASDA FROME!

CHOCOHOLICS PARTY - FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

AFTER CARNIVAL PARTY

CHRISTMAS PERIOD EVENTS ANNOUNCED

CHARITY HALLOWEEN PARTY

BACK TO SCHOOL FANCY DRESS DISCO

CONGRATULATIONS MARDONS CARNIVAL CLUB

CHARITY HALLOWEEN PARTY

GLYN PEARCE'S GOOFY CHALLENGE

IMPORTANT NOTICE: BUSINESS AS USUAL AT SOCIAL CLUB

- An official response to the current rumours.