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WORLD CUP 2010 - ALL ENGLAND MATCHES ON THE BIG SCREEN

As we're sure you're already aware, we will be showing the England matches on the big screen at the club, whenever they are played. This Saturday (12th June) we will be showing the England/USA match in the evening and we'll be having our regular Saturday night barbecue too. Feel free to come along and cheer them on - its fee entry and everyone is welcome!

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plus support from 'Lee Williams & Cash 4 Gold'

'TRUTH' SHOWCASE NIGHT NOW WITH ADDITIONAL BAND!

The past two Fridays have given us some great entertainment, firstly on the 14th, 'Organised Chaos' performed their punk infused rock set and brought in good crowd to cheer them on. The 21st was 'Dr B's' turn, with a selection of excellently performed blues covers - we hope everyone enjoyed the nights and remind you that 'TRUTH' will be performing their Showcase on Friday 4th June.

Our occassional bar person, Claire McLachlan, will be on stage as part of the band 'TRUTH' which play a good range feel good music and rock and roll. With their claims of having exotic dancers, we aren't sure quite what they have in store, but we are looking forward to what promises to be a real party atmosphere. As if that wasn't enough, there's an added bonus in the form of the great band 'LEE WILLIAMS & CASH 4 GOLD' who will also be performing on the night, we are extremely pleased that these two popular local bands are supporting our Showcase Nights and look forward to other local bands coming to perform in the future.

TRUTH was originally formed in the early seventies as a three piece led by then drummer John Williams. There were many changes to the line up, one of the most notable being John leaving the drums and moving to the front. One of the subsequent drummers was Colin now landlord at the Railway Inn, Radstock. The band played rock and blues, both covers and original pieces to packed halls all over the country, until the late seventies when due to other commitments the band went their separate ways. John continued to front for rock and blues bands while his family was rapidly increasing in size, until the mid nineties when he quit to focus on his middle son Lee Williams' musical career.

Jump to 2009 and we find TRUTH reformed with The Happy Endings. Again John is the front man and alongside him are The Happy Endings consisting of John's three youngest daughters Sandy, Claire and Tracey. On bass is his son-in-law Andrew Townhill, on rhythm guitar is John's business partner, Will Jackson, on drums business associate Jamie Noble and on lead guitar is one of Johns oldest friends Dave Rodgers (Dave has played in bands with John since he was 14). Due to prior commitments Dave is unable to play at the SHOWCASE and so Lee Williams of Cash For Gold is standing in. TRUTH still play rock and blues style music with the occasional surprise thrown in. While the musicians are a tight unit, The Happy Endings will ensure they never take themselves too seriously, the result being a show that's unpredictable and at times outrageous.

Please come along and join us for a fabulous night of entertainment! - It's FREE ENTRY TO ALL!! Click here to read more about TRUTH's Showcase.

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SKITTLES NIGHT WITH A CIDER PROMOTION ON THE 28TH MAY

On Friday, 28th May we are having a skittles night, running from 8–10.30 p.m.
Come and join us for Mens and womens individual high score as well as pairs with cash prizes. It's only 50p to enter and all monies will be returned in prizes.

If you're a fan of Cider then you might like to come and try our new Symonds Cider. As a promotion Symonds will be giving away a sample of their great new cider. Between 8 and 9 p.m. we are offering a FREE HALF PINT sample to any adult who would like to try it. if you can show your valid and current membership card, then we'll make it a PINT!

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DR B SHOWCASE INTRODUCES BLUES MUSIC

The social club would like to say a huge thank you to Dr B for theirShowcase performance. See more about the band here!

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GOOD ATTENDANCE AT THE PUBLIC MEETINGS

The club was very well attended for the Friday night meeting with locals coming along to give their views on the options for the future site development. Whilst the Saturday meeting was less busy, it was still a worthwhile event.

For your reference, Carla Gale's report from the site midsomernortonpeople.co.uk is below:

Visitors to the Galiford try open presentation

On Friday and Saturday, developers Galliford Try Group held a public consultation regarding the redevelopment of Midsomer Norton's Alcan site. The first meeting took place at the Alcan Mardon Social Club and the following day at the Methodist Church Hall.

The developers were seeking the views of local residents about how it can be developed.

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.

While visiting the exhibition on Saturday a spokeswoman said the land had been earmarked for some housing, but they also wanted to know what other facilities the public would like to see develop on the land.

I was also told that the social club would remain, but it may be re-sited in a new location.

Looking around at the displays, it was evident that more were in favour of improved pedestrian and cycle paths and amenity play space. Only two opted for new housing or small office space.

What would you like to see happen at the site?

The social club would like to thank everyone for showing interest in the meetings and ask that you keep checking the site for further updates.

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JOHNY'S DAY OUT A STORMING SUCCESS

A massive thank you to Johny's Day Out for a wonderful night and an exceptionally great performance. Drummer Alex said "The venue was brilliant, the atmosphere was amazing and everyone looked like they had a good night. We will definately play there again if we get the chance. Thanks to all those who came". Read more about Johny's Day Out and follow the links to their website and myspace page.

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SHOWCASE NIGHT FOR ORGANISED CHAOS

Organised Chaos will perform in another of our Showcase Nights, where new and up and coming bands are given the chance to perform.
Find out more about the Organised Chaos Showcase!

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HUDSON BAKER - SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!

Hudson Baker's Showcase Night was a materclass in great Blues/Rock music, thank you to the band and those that came to see them.
Find out more about the Hudson Baker Showcase!

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NEW PATIO FURNITURE IN PREPARATION FOR A 'BARBECUE SUMMER'

Our great new patio furniture was delivered and set out this week. This sturdy and attractive furniture is a welcome addition to the club and will serve us well if we have a good summer this year. We are also preparing to buy a new barbecue which will be professionally run for us. We look forward to seeing you throughout the coming months.

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JOIN THE SOCIAL CLUB ON OUR NEW MYSPACE PAGE

In an effort to promote the social clubs SHOWCASE NIGHTS we have launched a myspace page. Visit it and check out some of the talented bands we are friends with. Some of you will have seen The Centrefolds at the club, if you missed them you can click through to their page and hear some of their tracks. We are also friends with Johny's Day Out - who are showcasing soon. We'd also like to point out Casino Drive, a great new band, with tracks online and some available for purchase. There are some really talented bands to be found on myspace, start at
www.myspace.com/mardonsclub

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO OFFER YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SITE DEVELOPMENT

We'd like to encourage our members and visitors to take an active interest in the future of the development of the Alcan Factory site - please come along to the meeting as mentioned in the press release below, to hear more about plans for the site.

The views of the community are being sought on the regeneration of the factory site, before development options are considered. People are being asked to voice their thoughts at two public meetings that will reveal plans for housing and business development.

The events are being held of Friday, April 23, from 6pm to 8pm at the Social Club, and on Saturday, April 24, from 10am to 3pm in the Methodist Church Hall on High Street. Project manager Andrew Godden said: "We are extremely excited by the opportunities this size of site presents, in terms of economic and environmental regeneration prospects for the area.

"Before we start looking at development options, we recognise that in-depth consultation with nearby residents, community groups and other local stakeholders is crucial. We hope to welcome as many people as possible to these events. Members of our project team will be on hand to answer any questions and, more importantly, listen to any views regarding the future development of this site."

Something else scheduled to take place later this month is the beginning of demolition works on a number of derelict industrial buildings. A series of investigative site surveys have been undertaken to assess a range of environmental and access conditions. The results of these surveys supported the removal of some of the buildings, largely due to concerns surrounding health and safety and general security of the site.

The former industrial buildings have not been used since the closure of Alcan in 2006. Mr Godden said the clearing work would take about six months to complete. Nash Partnership and GL Hearn, from Bath, have been appointed by the Galliford Try Group to lead on development of proposals for the former printing and packaging site. Nash Partnership will be leading on regeneration strategy, urban design, architectural work and stakeholder engagement, with GL Hearn acting as planning agent to coordinate Local Development Framework representations and submission of an application.

The Alcan Mardon Social Club, which is also situated on the 11-acre site, will be remaining open throughout the course of the work - so it's business as usual at the club.

JOHNY'S DAY OUT TO APPEAR ON A SHOWCASE NIGHT

DONT FORGET TO ENTER YOUR QUIZ TEAM FOR EASTER FRIDAY

SHOWCASE NIGHT FOR HUDSON BAKER

ETHAN SMITH TRUST UPDATE

CURRY NIGHT UPDATE

SHOWCASE NIGHTS - WHAT ARE THEY?

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!!'

HALLOWEEN NIGHT

We have been lucky enough to have the event advertised on several radio programs and stations, including a great mention on BBC Somerset, (who interviewed Brian earlier in the year). The Fancy Press Party has been advertised locally for some time now and The Journal kindly carried our press release in last week's edition (23.10.08) it read as below:

Spirits will soon be high at Alcan Mardon Social Club at Midsomer Norton when it hosts a Halloween Party in aid of charity.

The event which will be held on Saturday 1st November 2008 will be in aid of the Dorothy House Hospice based at Winsley near Bradford on Avon.

The Social Club is hoping that many trick-or-treaters, all in fancy dress, will support the event that will include a grand raffle of donated prizes. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed man and woman of the evening .Prizes will also be awarded to the best dressed boy and girl.

This is the fourth year that the Social Club has hosted this event and organisers are hoping that this years party will be as successful as in previous years. By hosting a Halloween party, organisers are hoping that people will show their appreciation for this local charity, as well as having a fun evening out.'

Entry to the event will be £2 to non members and free to members. All monies raised on the evening will go to the charity. Music will be provided by a favourites of the club, 'Kerry's Gold'.

We are hoping for a well supported evening where everyone can enjoy themselves. It's a real family friendly event and all ages are very welcome!

CHRISTMAS PERIOD - TICKET SALES

With the Christmas period events at the social club expected to be very popular this year, we have arranged ticket sales to ensure that all members keen to attend and buy tickets will be given priority. Tickets will be available exclusively to members on two consecutive Sunday evenings. Sunday 9th November and Sunday 16th November between 6 and 8pm. On Monday 17th November any remaining tickets they will be made available to both members and non-members.

SKITTLES PRESENTATION NIGHT

With Summer skittles coming to an end the presentation date has been set for October 17th. Instead of being entertained with a disco as in previous years, this year guests will have the chance to celebrate with Chantilly Lace! Thank you to all the teams who've taken part, we hope to see you back again soon!

CHARITY HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS PARTY - 1st November

It's time to start thinking about what to wear for Halloween. The Halloween Fancy Dress Party is on November 1st, and entertainment will be provided by Kerry's Gold. There's no excuse not to dress up - previous years have shown how everyone gets into the spirit of the event. As always there will be a Grand Prize Draw in aid of Dorothy House. Entry to the event will be £2 to non members and members get in free - although we would hope that they make a donation - all door takings will also go to charity.

Looking for costume ideas - Asda are selling Halloween gear already and prices are very good - wigs for around £3!

PRESS RELEASE AS PRINTED BY THE JOURNAL (04.09.08)

Alcan Mardon Social Club has just secured another 12 months lease with a special provision to allow Alcan to dispose of the factory and land in an appropriate timescale.

The committee would like to thanks the local media, including the Journal who have given excellent support. Also Thatcher and Hallam for their advice on the lease, MP Dan Norris and former Managing Director now Global Finance Director of Alcan Packaging Simon Swann for his considerable support in recent weeks.

The social club is keen to continue serving the local community and welcome visitors of all ages. Membership applications along with renewals are being taken and the benefit of having a membership card is further discounts on the already reasonable bar prices and lower admission charges on Saturday nights. Membership for this year, is just £5 to anyone who would regularly attend the club.

Hayley Morgan, a familiar face to visitors of the club, has been recently promoted to the position of Bar manager. Bringing a sense of drive and enthusiasm to the role, Hayley has been in negotiation with suppliers who are keen to back her ideas and already there are plans in place to slowly improve the whole experience of visiting the club.

With the summer term of entertainment on alternate Saturdays over, acts are now appearing weekly. Entertainment manager John Leahy has booked through to the summer of next year and the quality and general standard of his bookings is consistently high.

On Saturday 13th September Welsh four piece group, 'Barracuda' return to the club after rave reviews on their debut earlier this year. Hoping to raise further funds for it's chosen charity ' Dorothy House Hospice Care', the committee is once again hosting it's Halloween Fancy Dress Party on November 1st. The usual seasonal Christmas events are in place and at the end of the year it's hoped that an Alcan/Mardon reunion party will be staged.

So it is business as usual at the club, please see your local press for more information regarding events and keep up to date with all club news on the website, www.socialclub-info.co.uk.

Former Alcan employee, Sid Body has been enjoying plenty of press coverage lately. His tireless efforts to raise funds for worthy charities has been much publicised in recent newspapers and also TV and radio. -

SID PRAISED AS CAN COLLECTING BOOSTS CANCER CHARITY

A pensioner who has waged a one man war on litter for 20 years was hailed an "unsung hero" yesterday - after collecting one million empty drinks cans.
Tireless Sidney Body, 76, devotes up to four hours every day, seven days a week, scouring the streets and hedgerows of Paulton in Somerset for empties.Come rain or shine, the retired factory worker says he can't resist sprucing up his local community which he fears could turn into a "tip" without his help.

Married Sidney scoops up an average of 300 cans a month, and except for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas, hasn't missed a single day's collecting for 20 years.
Big-hearted Sidney - dubbed "Sid the Can Man" by neighbours - exchanges the aluminium tins for cash at a scrap yard, and then donates the money to cancer charities.

Amazingly, he has now scooped up more than one million empties - enough to fill a three-bedroom house from floor to ceiling - since his campaign begun in 1988.

But Sidney, who has been treated for both skin and prostate cancer, has already raised more than £10,000 and says he wouldn't dream of quitting now.

Selfless Sidney said: "I wouldn't say what I do is fun, but I've been doing it for so long that it's become second nature - almost a part of my life. We all know people who are coming to the end of their lives due to the 'Big C', and doctors need all the money they can get for treatment and prevention. I'm bald so I don't have any hair I can shave off, and I can't run a marathon because I've had a hip replacement, so this is my way of doing what I can to raise money for good causes. I've collected about a million now, and that's helped raise about £10,000 for charity, so let's hope I can continue doing it long into the future."

Sidney first started collecting aluminium cans in 1988 to raise money for Paulton Hospital's baby scanner appeal. Armed with black bags and a pair of thick gloves, he continues to scour the hedgerows, gutters, parks and fields around the Somerset village. In addition to trawling the streets, Sid also collects cans from social clubs, pubs, and from the sites of local festivals and parades. At a recent Mardi Gras in Midsomer Norton, near Bath, he was even spotted roaming the streets with his black bags - until 4.30am. He collects an average of 1,200 a month - 14,400 a year - which amounts to almost 750,000 since 1988. A further 250,000 were picked up from one-off events like music festivals and local concerts.

Sidney sells each kilo of aluminium for 50p to a local scrap merchant, raising more than £10,000 for charity. In the last two years alone, he has raised £900 for Bath's Royal United Hospital's cancer unit. Sidney, who has been married to Doreen for almost 45 years, said: "Wherever there's cans, you'll find me. I go to the Mardis Gras, I go to festivals, I go anywhere where there could be cans. It's my little way of giving back, and a simple way of preventing the local area becoming a tip."

Yesterday, Bath and North East Somerset Council praised Sidney for his selfless work in the community. A council spokesman said: "The council is pleased about the excellent contribution Mr Body makes to the public realm after his local Mardi Gras, and the subsequent benefits for charity."

Local resident Linda Smith, 32, added: "It's great to see someone working so hard for the community. He's an unsung hero and we need more people like him."

The City of Bath Male Choir, which was awarded a place in the final round of the BBC1 show Last Choir Standing, was sent home on Sunday following a head-to-head with gospel choir Revelation.

The group performed three songs which included Can't Take My Eyes Off You which the judges Russell Watson, Sharon D Clarke and Suzi Dibgy noted was an improvement on the previous week's performance and that there was a great sound. Suzi was pleased to hear a 'new depth of sound and subtleties' and Russell said they had 'clear dedication' but Sharon still wanted more passion.

They then performed Wonderful World which Suzi felt was flat and that the bad arrangement meant tuning suffered. Sharon agreed with Suzi and Russell told them 'don't let your wall of sound crumble'. After an agonising wait it was announced that Bath Male Choir would go head-to-head in a clash of the choirs with Revelation. Bath performed Something while Revelation sang Love The One You're With.

Sharon was the first to vote and chose Revelation, followed by Suzi so with the East London choir getting two of the three votes it meant that the City of Bath Male Choir were out of the competition.

Only four choirs now remain in the entertainment show which received thousands of entries and ends this month.

Look out for our entertainment manager Mr John Leahy, not at the social club, but on prime time Saturday night television. John is a member of the Bath Male Choir, who have successfully made it through all of the heats and on Saturday night (09.08.2008) passed through the first round of live shows with their performance of 'Desperado'. Look out for them next week, and remember to vote!!!

ENJOY THE SUMMER - OR AT LEAST MAKE THE BEST OF IT!

Despite the disheartening British weather, we are determined to enjoy at least one barbecue at the social club this year. Why not join us on Saturday 16th August to dance to the music of the terrifically popular Sneakers and have something from the barbecue provided by 2R's Carnival Club.

THE NEW BENEFITS OF AN ALCAN MARDON SOCIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP CARD

As always members will continue to gain discounted entry to the clubs entertainment on Saturday nights, but there is a new incentive to becoming a member of the club that will benefit anyone using the club both at weekends and throughout the week.

There is shortly due to be a slight rise in bar prices, which will coincide with the introduction of a new till.

Members of the social club who show their current valid membership card when purchasing their drinks will not pay the increase and can continue to enjoy the current prices.

Membership cards must be shown in order to take advantage of this offer, if you do not show your card, you will be asked to pay full price (whether you are a member or not).

Visiting skittles teams who are given temporary membership when visiting the club, will have a temporary membership card issued to their captain for the use of the team during that evening.

We would expect all regular visitors to the social club to support the club and become a member of it. Please do not abuse the use of the membership cards.

Membership renewals are now due, Membership to Non Alcan/Mardon people is £5. Leave your money and your name address and telephone number behind the bar. Membership cards will be issued allowing discounted entry on Saturday Nights and exclusive access to drink promotions and offers. All new membership cards must be carried and shown to take advantage of offers!

Big-hearted musician Barry Dell has raised more than £500 for the hospice that cared for his late mother-in-law during her battle against cancer.The 59-year-old singer from Radstock decided to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice by creating and selling two CDs of songs from the '50s and '60s. The sale of the CDs raised £515.

He said: "I wanted to help Dorothy House as they had been ever so supportive during my mother-in-law's battle with cancer 12 years ago. "I thought I would combine my love of music with helping to generate a bit of cash for them. "The CDs are a good mix of ballads, including songs from Cliff Richard and Elvis, and have been so popular I am planning to do a few more, all in aid of Dorothy House." The two CDs, entitled Memories and Welcome To My World, were recorded around Christmas with help from his son-in-law Mark Pearce, who produced the CDs and sold them for £4.

This isn't Mr Dell's first brush with fame. Two years ago, while on holiday, the former Alcan Packaging employee found himself singing on stage in Las Vegas, at The Stardust and The Imperial Palace - an experience he described as "unbelievable".

ALL NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS MUST BE IN 2 WEEKS BEFORE AND GIVEN TO A COMMITTEE MEMBER DULY SIGNED BY THE PROPOSER AND SECONDER .

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS DUE ON JULY 1ST AT £5 FOR NON ALCAN PEOPLE, £10 FOR NEW MEMBERS. NEW CARDS WILL BE ISSUED.

THE COMMITTEE IS IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING AN EXTENDED LEASE FOR 12 MONTHS, THIS WILL BE DONE BY THE END OF JUNE, DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

The meeting was rescheduled after it's cancellation and held just one week later. Simon Swann and Kate Anthony-Wilkinson attended with committee chairman Brian Nairn, committee treasurer David Metcalfe, pensioners representative Keith Ball and MP Dan Norris. The presentation was made and talks held between the two parties. After some discussion a possible way forward was suggested and it was left to Alcan to return with a proposal in two weeks which would be taken forward to the next committee meeting.

The meeting on the 25th of April, between the Alcan representatives, Dan Norris and the Social Club Committee was cancelled one week before it was due to take place. Despite the meeting having been planned months ago, Alcan representatives pulled out of the meeting, due to their representative Kate Anthony-Wilkinson having other commitments - fellow representative Mr Simon Swann was unwilling to attend this important meeting by himself.

This comes as a huge blow to the people wanting to see the club continue, we are hoping to reschedule the meeting at the earliest time when all parties are available - but with the lease expiring at the end of June, time is of the essence. Alcan have offered other dates for the meeting (one in July - after the lease expires in which case we were advised that the meeting would be held elsewhere as the Club would be closed). Obviously Mr Norris MP is a busy man, but we are hopefully that the meeting will be rearranged and that Alcan can be presented with the strong case for the Club's future.

A meeting with Alcan representatives and Dan Norris has been arranged, with a multimedia presentation demonstrating the reasons for the need to keep the club going. The article below was published by the Somerset Guardian:

MEMBERS ARGUE CASE TO KEEP CLUB OPEN

Pensioners fighting to keep a Midsomer Norton social club open will meet their former bosses as they campaign to ensure its future. Wans dyke MP Dan Norris (Labour) will join Alcan LMPA Pensioners' Association chairman Keith Ball and president Brian Nairn to put forward the case for Mardon's Social Club remaining open to the owners of the former Alcan packaging site, at a meeting on Friday, April 25. The social club has about 700 members who regularly meet for social events, with a calendar of entertainment every weekend. They also raise thousands of pounds through charity functions.

When Alcan closed its factory at the end of 2006 the management said it would not renew the lease on the clubhouse, which is on the same site. It has since given the club a stay of execution until June this year.

Mr Nairn said: "We are looking forward to the meeting and have put together a multi-media presentation that will put our case for the club to continue.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that the meeting will be successful and we will have good news."

Earlier this year, the group staged a protest at the beginning of its annual meeting to show the strength of feeling among members, who are all former Alcan workers and use the clubhouse on a regular basis.

Alcan's management has agreed that the club has a social benefit but said it had no legal or moral responsibility to retain it after the lease expires in June. Since the last shift finished more than 12 months ago the factory buildings have not been used, although security guards are still on site.

A total of 218 jobs were lost with the Alcan closure, which came a year after Polestar Purnell, in Paulton, shut its doors with the loss of 425 jobs.

On Wednesday 2nd April Mr Brian Nairn discussed the Social Club's current situation on Radio Somerset. Appearing on the Somerset's Big Breakfast show Mr Nairn spoke of the importance of the club's continuation and told presenter Adam Thomas of his continued optimism for a successful agreement between the club and Alcan.

There is constant speculation and rumour regarding the sale of the factory site, but as far as we are aware the company have yet to find a buyer. In response to suggestions that the land has been or will be purchased and developed for housing, the information below would suggest that this is highly unlikely.

Key B&NES Local Plan policies are ET 2 and ET.3. The Local Plan was adopted in October 2007 and will be saved for at least three years until 2010.

Basically, the Alcan /Mardon Flexible Packaging Factory site is safeguarded for industrial use as a core employment area under policy ET.3. However, a proposal for office development will be supported in principle under policy ET.2(3)(b). Proposals for housing development will be contrary to the current Local Plan.

Information sourced from the Planning Officer, Bath & North East Somerset Council

The Mendip Times carries an article concerning the Social Club's future in its April issue. Read the article here!

Pensioners from Midsomer Norton's Alcan Packaging company have marked their annual meeting with a presentation to an old friend .Brian Woodland, who has given long and faithful service as a committee member, received a retirement gift at the Alcan Pensioners' Association.

The presentation was made by association president Brian Nairn, who also presented Mr Woodland's wife, Jean, with a bouquet.

The Alcan pensioners held their annual meeting in Mardons Social Club, which they are fighting to keep open.

The Alcan company closed its local factory at the end of 2006 but the pensioners said the social club is still providing a valuable community and social service.

Cabaret Night was a huge success, not only were the acts particularly good but the night also raised funds for our local charity of choice Dorothy House Hospice Care. A prize raffle was held and was very well supported by all who attended. With over thirty prizes donated from local businesses, the sum of £230 was raised. Local artist Roger Jones donated one of his superb prints which was auctioned and raised a further £100.

"With regard to the raffle I was delighted that my print of The Five Arches helped to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.
It would be a tremendous loss to the community should Mardons have to close and I would like to think that I could donate more pictures in the future." Roger Jones

With this donation, we are proud to announce that the club and its members have raised over £5000 for Dorothy House, in the last few years and hope to continue to raise more in the future.

Successful Cabaret Supports Local Charity

This years' first Cabaret Night at Mardons Social Club was a huge success, tickets sold well which meant that the night's charity raffle was very well supported raising £230.

It's well worth noting the variety of businesses that donated generous prizes to the raffle : Somer Valet, Barons, Argos, Tesco, Out Of Asia, Reflections, Headlines, James Christopher, Pierre, Paul Bond, Serenity, The Works Health Club, Performance Sports, Positive living Centre, Bluebells, Norton Sports and Camping, Midsummer Tanning Salon, Cabellos, Channel 5 and Island Clothing. The fact that so many businesses were willing to support the raffle is testament to the great work done by the local Dorothy House charity at Winsley.

The auction of a stunning print of the 'Five Arches' at Radstock, that was kindly donated by local artist Roger Jones, raised a further £100 for the worthy cause.

Mardons Social Club is proud to announce that over the past few years over £5000 has been raised by its members for Dorothy House, which is just one of the charities supported by the club. Mardons Club, which faces potential closure at the end of June, are in negotiations with Alcan to enable their club to remain open and continue fundraising well into the future.

Raffle Starts Fundraising

Events at Midsomer Norton's Mardons Social Club have raised more than £5,000 for Dorothy House over recent years, and this year's first cabaret has raised £230 in a prize raffle.

Members are negotiating with Alcan, owners of the old Mardon factory, to keep the club.

Raffle prizes were donated by Somer Valet, Barons, Argos, Tesco, Out Of Asia, Reflections, Headlines, James Christopher, Pierre, Paul Bond, Serenity, The Works Health Club, Performance Sports, Positive living Centre, Bluebells, Norton Sports and Camping, Midsummer Tanning Salon, Cabellos, Channel 5 and Island Clothing.

A print of Radstock's Five Arches, by artist Roger Jones, was auctioned for £100.

The Alcan/Mardon pensioners made their feelings clear as they supported the appeal to save Mardons Social Club from closure. The protest was staged as a public show of their discontent at the unfair way they are being treated. The huge company is refusing to accept that the club was a gift to workers of the factory. Director of Alcan Legal Services, Kate Anthony-Wilkinson, agreed the club provided a social benefit but said it had no legal or moral responsibility to retain the club after its lease expired on June 30.

PENSIONERS IN FIGHT TO KEEP CLUB GOING

10:00 - 21 February 2008

Pensioners fighting to keep their Midsomer Norton social club open staged a protest yesterday to show the strength of their feelings.The protesters are supporting an appeal to the owners of the Alcan Packaging site to keep their successful club, known locally as Mardon's Social Club, open so they can continue to meet up and enjoy entertainment.

The protest was held before the club's annual meeting and was supported by about 50 members.

Alcan closed its Midsomer Norton factory at the end of 2006, with bosses saying they would not renew the lease on the clubhouse, which is on the same site. They have since given the club a stay of execution, until June this year.

Club members, who are all former Alcan workers, are now stepping up their efforts to keep the clubhouse, which they use for regular community and social events, open.

Wansdyke MP Dan Norris, along with the chairman of Alcan LMPA Pensioners' Association, Keith Ball, and association president Brian Nairn are to meet Alcan representatives in April to discuss the issue.

Mr Ball, a former works engineer, said: "I was involved from the outset of the original club and no matter what they say, the club was given to us and should still remain in our hands. When the factory closed in recent years the workers were compensated highly.

"Some of our members had more than 40 years' service and, in my opinion, should be treated as fairly as those who left more recently. The pensioners are being left behind and it is totally unfair."

Director of Alcan Legal Services, Kate Anthony- Wilkinson, agreed the club provided a social benefit but said it had no legal or moral responsibility to retain the club after its lease expired on June 30.

On the night of the Cabaret we will be raising funds for our chosen charity, Dorothy House Hospice Care. Some of the donations we have received so far include:

A print of the Five Arches by local artist Roger Jones, £120 valeting gift voucher from Somer Valet, Bottle of champagne from Barons, Vase and candle holder from Out of Asia, CD wallet from Reflections, £15 gift voucher from Headlines, 2 x £10 gift vouchers from James Christopher, £10 gift voucher from Pierre, Teddy Bear from Paul Bond, Paperweight from Serenity, The Works Health Club gift voucher, £10 gift voucher from Performance Sports, Aqua detox gift voucher from The Positive Living Centre, Flowers from Bluebells Florist, Football from Norton Sports and Camping, £5 gift voucher from Midsummer Tanning Salon, £10 gift voucher from Cabellos, DVD from Channel 5, Costume necklace from Island Clothing...and lots more.

The plight of the social club has been highlighted once again in this weeks Guardian, this time from the perspective of the pensioners who face having what they see as their club taken away from them.

PRINT VETERANS TAKE SOCIAL CLUB ISSUE TO AGM

10:00 - 14 February 2008

Print company pensioners fighting to keep their Midsomer Norton social club open are hoping to get maximum support at a meeting and demonstration next Wednesday.The Alcan Packaging veterans are hoping an appeal to the owners of their big printworks in the town, which closed late in 2006, and help from Wansdyke MP Dan Norris, will result in the club - known locally as Mardon's, after a previous factory owner - being kept open as a community centre.

The Alcan company said after the factory closure that it would not be renewing the lease on the clubhouse, which is on the same site. That angered pensioners, who use it for social and community events, and raise thousands of pounds through charity functions.

Their pensioners' association will hold its annual meeting at the clubhouse at 2pm on Wednesday, and will be taking their club banner with them to show solidarity over the campaign to keep the club open.

Mr Norris has requested a meeting with the company, and has received a letter from Kate Anthony-Wilkinson, director of Alcan legal services, saying that Alcan recognises the club provides a social benefit, but has no legal or moral responsibility to retain the club after its lease expires on June 30.

"Given the current position of the site, Alcan is not in any position to make a decision or comment on the intentions of any subsequent purchaser of the site," she added.

Tickets for the cabaret night are selling well, the Guardian and Journal both carried the press release we sent out. Tickets are available from the bar at £8 in advance and can also be bought on the night for £10.

ACTS PREPARE TO TAKE TO STAGE IN CABARET

10:00 - 07 February 2008

A cabaret night, with music, magic and comedy will be held at Mardons Social Club, in Midsomer Norton, on Saturday, February 23.Entertainments manager John Leahy recently attended a talent showcase and has picked four acts for the show.

Music will be provided by singer Stephanie Scott, while comedy will come from Tank Sherman, who recently appeared on two DVDs produced by Jethro.

Tensai will perform impressive illusions, and compere Garry Dorsey will bring it all together, adding his own brand of humour.

Tickets cost £8 in advance and are available at the social club bar and from Bert Jones on 01761 434752.

They will cost £10 on the night and the show will start at 8.15pm.

Full entertainment listings for Mardons are available on its website, www.socialclub-info.co.uk .

Happy New Year to everyone, if you joined us for any of the Christmas period events, we hope you had a great time. The new year started well, with a Birthday party on Friday 11th which was extremely well attended. Music came from Sneakers and their guests and we'd like to wish Paul congratulations and thank him for choosing to hold his party with us.

Unfortunately, due to illness, Julie Marie and Alan were unable to perform on the following Saturday night and a replacement had to be found. 'Ruby Tuesday' proved to be a revelation, In their first appearance at the social club, the duo performed music from all era's right up to the massive hit 'Bleeding Love' by Leona Lewis. The singers voice was stunning and all who attended were impressed by the consistently high standard of performance.

Congratulations to the Eastville Club who are celebrating their victory over Ikea who attempted to shut them down.

With a new lease, extending the club's future to June 2008, about to be signed, Alcan has now stated in writing that it will not renew the lease again.

"Clearly, this is unacceptable to the pensioners, whose salary sacrifice funded the club in the first place and to the members who have fought for the retention of what they know was a gift from the original owners."

MEMBERS BATTLE TO KEEP FACTORY SOCIAL CLUB GOING

10:00 - 15 November 2007

Members of Midsomer Norton's Alcan Social Club have been told by the site owners of the factory, to which it is attached, that it may not stay open beyond June 2008.The club, known to residents by its old name of Mardons, is fighting for existence after the closure of the Alcan Packaging plant.

It has been negotiating with the Alcan company to retain the club premises, where more than 700 people meet for social events and charity work.

Originally, the building was gifted to Alcan employees in lieu of salary increases during a government wage freeze.

The current lease on the site was signed in 1997 and expires on December 31 this year.

Brian Nairn, former managing director of the factory and now club chairman, said: "We are in the process of signing the next, and what Alcan state is the final, lease, which only keeps the club going until the end of June 2008.

"Alcan has stated in writing that it will not renew the lease again."

Mr Nairn added: "Clearly, this is unacceptable to the pensioners, whose salary sacrifice funded the club in the first place and to the members who have fought for the retention of what they know was a gift from the original owners."

The club has asked Wansdyke MP Dan Norris (Labour) for advice and support, and he has agreed to meet its officers.

Alcan management has not commented on the lease issues, but states on its website that it has a policy to invest in the communities it serves.

Members plan to continue regular Saturday night entertainment while they campaign for the club's survival.

Mr Nairn said: "We had a very successful charity Halloween night, packed with families from the former Alcan community."

This year, £1,300 was raised for the Dorothy House Hospice at Winsley through the club's charity work.

Skittles with the Paulton and District League and a fun series will continue through the winter.

Line dancing also continues to be a regular club feature.

Wansdyke MP Dan Norris (Labour) has agreed to meet with committee officers. It's hoped that with such a large demographic of locals keen to see the club saved, he will look favourably on our fight and be able to offer his backing. Mr Norris has recently negotiated with Cadbury in order to ensure they save the social club and grounds of their Keynsham factory which is due to close in three years time.

The Fancy Dress Halloween Night was a great success, lots of strange costumes and superb entertainment from 'Cover To Cover'. Thank you for supporting both the event and the charity.

As agreed by the committee an interview was recently scheduled with Wendy Walker of the Somerset Guardian as a first step in raising awareness of the Social Club's ongoing efforts to establish a secure long term future. The article was published in this week's edition:

Negotiations aim to save Alcan club for community

A year after the closure of Midsomer Norton's giant Alcan Packaging plant, members of the works' sports and social club, which occupies a tiny corner of the site, are hoping it will be saved for the community.They are negotiating with the multi-national Alcan company for the Alcan Social Club - still known to local people by its old name of Mardons - to be preserved as a valuable social and recreation centre for young and old, disabled and able-bodied alike.

The club members are now nearing the end of their lease, which expires on December 31.

In their development plan document, they say they need detailed information on the club's future in order to push ahead.

The club has more than 700 members at present and is famous in the neighbourhood for its work for charity.

This week, officers of the club, including the former managing director of the Midsomer Norton factory, Brian Nairn, who is now club chairman, gave details of a business and development plan intended to build up a club for the whole community.

A year ago, Mr Nairn pointed out, a BBC TV Panorama programme showed how teenagers were using a park in nearby Westfield for huge weekend drinking binges.

"We encourage young people to come in here and we also see it as a safe house, so we encourage people with learning difficulties as well.

"People travel out from Bath for that. We get youngsters, young families from babies to teenagers, and they feel 100 per cent safe."

Retired Alcan employees are anxious to secure a long-term future for the club as a support mechanism for their pensioners' association.

Chairman Keith Ball said: "We hope to develop something with Alcan of which they, the ex-employees and the wider community will be justifiably proud."

The club, say its officers, is the base for many organisations within the community.

"Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised and donated to charities as a result of social club events," they said.

The development plan points out that the building and sports ground were gifted to factory employees in 1978 at a cost of £123,000 to the company, in lieu of salary increases during a Government-imposed wage freeze.

The plan says that to refurbish the building would cost about £400,000, so the best solution is a rebuilt club on what used to be the factory research and development building.

It would have its own access and car park, and would fit in with local planning guidelines and national policy for development.

Alcan policy, too, complements the club's aim, although it has not commented on negotiations with the club.

Its website says: "Alcan recognises that its corporate and ethical business responsibilities include investing in the communities it serves to enhance their economic, environmental and social well-being."

The company also says that priority is given to projects that "include opportunities for participation by Alcan employees and their families".

With news that the Cadbury plant facing closure in Keynsham, is to have it's social club (which occupies a much larger percentage of the factory site) saved for the workers and neighbourhood, the committee is hopeful that a similar generosity of spirit may save our club.

FRY CLUB FUTURE 'IS SAFE'

Cadbury directors have promised that the Fry Club and sports pitches will be kept on the Somerdale site at Keynsham.It was announced on Wednesday that the chocolate factory will close by 2010, with the loss of 500 jobs.

There were fears that the social club and sports pitches would be sold to developers as part of the 230-acre site.

But Cadbury has now pledged that the social club and pitches will be retained on the site in some capacity.

Cadbury spokesman Tony Bilsborough said it was too soon to say whether the existing club would be retained or rebuilt.

People who have booked wedding receptions or other social functions at the Fry Club have been told they do not need to worry.

Local MP Dan Norris has held meetings with senior Cadbury directors this week, both before and after the firm's announcement on Wednesday.

Among the many concerns to which Mr Norris drew the directors' attention was the future of the social club and its sports facilities.

He said: "Cadbury's Keynsham site is so much more than just a workplace - it is a key part of Keynsham's way of life, partly because of the excellent social and sporting facilities.

"As locals know so well, the Fry Club is a vital social and leisure hub to Keynsham and the surrounding area.

"That is one reason that news of Somerdale's closure comes as such a disappointing and heavy blow, not just to hard-working staff, but to our community as a whole.

"Directors of the company have now assured me, following my requests at emergency talks this week, that they will secure the long-term future of the Fry Club and its football pitches.

"I've had pledges that the club and all the sports pitches will be retained.

"This could either be a new Fry club or retention of the existing building but I don't think Cadbury will want to tie its hands on specific details before it submits any planning application for the site.

"While nothing can soften the huge blow of the 500 job losses that are planned by 2010, news that these additional facilities will continue to be available to our community will be of some comfort at this very challenging and sad time for local people.

"I will now be pressing Cadbury for more information and details of how exactly they will honour this promise to Keynsham to keep the Fry Club open for future generations."

Mr Bilsborough confirmed that the company would honour its commitment to the Fry Club and sports facilities.

He said: "There are a lot of sports pitches at the Somerdale site. Cadbury said some time ago that they would be redeveloped in some way but I can confirm that the company has made a commitment to the Fry Club and improving sports facilities.

"It won't look exactly as it does now but there will be a social club and sports pitches on the Somerdale site.

"It is too early for us to say whether a new club will be built or whether the existing building will be kept.

"We said last year that we would develop some of the sports pitches but improve the sports facilities and that will still be the same position for us in the future."

Roy Broom, vice chairman of the Fry Club, said the news was reassuring as people who had booked the club for functions were concerned after Wednesday's announcement.

He said: "Cadbury owns the Fry Club building but it has been run as a separate business for the past 25 years.

"I want to assure people that we are still in business and all the wedding receptions and Christmas parties that have been booked are not at risk."

The Rugby final will now be shown on the Big Screen!

Unfortunately, due to England's success in reaching the final of the rugby it has been decided that the Quiz night should be cancelled in order to accommodate the requests for the game to be shown on Saturday evening.

We hope that the Halloween Fancy Dress Party will be well supported - again it's in aid of Dorothy House Hospice Care. Entertainment comes from 'Cover To Cover'. They have appeared once before at the club and if you didn't see them, you missed a great night. Covering all styles and eras (even including today's top chart groups), they were one of the most talented new acts to appear at the club for a very long time.

The Quiz Night is fast approaching - if you haven't already entered your team, please do so as soon as possible so that we have an idea of numbers in order to arrange printing and food requirements.

There has been a lot of talk and general complaints that the members of our social club are not kept informed of the developments regarding their club's future. In some ways this was largely due to the fact that negotiations were slow and other than getting the lease extended by 6 months at a time, there was little to report. We understand the importance of the club to the members, ex-employees, pensioners and the general community, and have been trying to achieve an agreement to allow the Social Club to continue. We have devised and presented a sound business plan and are confident that given the opportunity the Social club could prosper. We believe that the investment members and their families have made in this Club deserves to be recognised and preserved. We have an agreement that gives us short term extensions to our lease and whilst this is not an ideal way to proceed it does give us time to explore other options.

After negotiating with the European Packaging Management for over 12 months we are in a position where communication from Paris and our designated contact has ceased. Our last three communications have been ignored, We are now pursuing the matter at a higher level, hoping that this intervention may return more positive results, but as yet there has been no response from the top directors in Montreal. This is very disappointing as we believe we have a valid claim for the continuation of the Social Club.

We have legal options to explore, dealing with our solicitors FDC Law and the use of Pro Bono lawyers who work with the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law. We are actively pursuing these paths. Along side this we have spoken to our local member of parliament (Dan Norris) and presented him with an outline of our cause, another meeting is due once he has digested the information and initial impressions seem favourable. We have also decided to make our fight to keep the club open public and enlist the power of the press. Initially we have arranged to meet with Wendy Walker of the Somerset Guardian, who seems keen to take an interest.

With this huge company's track record and their claims of community and social responsibility, we are all at a loss why they are unable to look more favourably on our plight.

For some years now the social club has offered top sporting events on the big screen, both terrestrial and Sky broadcasts. Recently you may have seen the advertising campaign for the new subscription channel Setanta Sports. Setanta will be showing major sporting events throughout the year including 46 Exclusively Live Barclays Premier League games and golf's USA PGA Tour. We are pleased to announce that we now have a years subscription to this service - we hope you enjoy this addition.

Although contact with the company has been limited of late, we are confident of their extended goodwill. We are therefore continuing to take bookings and arrange events until mid 2008, whilst looking for a mutual arrangement for the long term. This will allow the completion of the winter sports leagues. This year has so far been very successful, attendance has been good and the summer skittles and snooker leagues have proved to be very popular. Look out for some special events coming in October, including the cabaret and the charity quiz and also the charity Halloween party.

With the smoking ban coming into force on July 1st, the social club has allocated a place to be the designated 'Smoking Area'. This area is at the rear of the club accessed by the doors between the skittle alley and the snooker rooms. Smoking will not be permitted anywhere else on the social club's grounds, including the front of the club and the patio/barbecue area.

The committee is working hard to secure a long term future for the Social Club and it's members, talks continue with the company and we hope to achieve an acceptable result. The continued support of all members and guests is very important, making the social club financially secure is essential. Entertainment has been booked, including the Christmas and New Year period and we hope to maintain or even improve the club's high standard of acts.

Archived News & Information

JOHNY'S DAY OUT A STORMING SUCCESS

SHOWCASE NIGHT FOR ORGANISED CHAOS

HUDSON BAKER - SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!

JOHNY'S DAY OUT TO APPEAR ON A SHOWCASE NIGHT

DONT FORGET TO ENTER YOUR QUIZ TEAM FOR EASTER FRIDAY

SHOWCASE NIGHT FOR HUDSON BAKER

ETHAN SMITH TRUST UPDATE

CURRY NIGHT UPDATE

SHOWCASE NIGHTS - WHAT ARE THEY?

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

HALLOWEEN NIGHT

CHRISTMAS PERIOD - TICKET SALES

SKITTLES PRESENTATION NIGHT

CHARITY HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS PARTY - 1st November

PRESS RELEASE AS PRINTED BY THE JOURNAL (04.09.08)

SID PRAISED AS CAN COLLECTING BOOSTS CANCER CHARITY

ENJOY THE SUMMER - OR AT LEAST MAKE THE BEST OF IT!

THE NEW BENEFITS OF AN ALCAN MARDON SOCIAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP CARD

MEMBERS ARGUE CASE TO KEEP CLUB OPEN

"With regard to the raffle I was delighted that my print of The Five Arches helped to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. It would be a tremendous loss to the community should Mardons have to close and I would like to think that I could donate more pictures in the future." Roger Jones

Successful Cabaret Supports Local Charity

Raffle Starts Fundraising

Events at Midsomer Norton's Mardons Social Club have raised more than £5,000 for Dorothy House over recent years, and this year's first cabaret has raised £230 in a prize raffle.

Members are negotiating with Alcan, owners of the old Mardon factory, to keep the club.

A print of Radstock's Five Arches, by artist Roger Jones, was auctioned for £100.

PENSIONERS IN FIGHT TO KEEP CLUB GOING

10:00 - 21 February 2008

The protest was held before the club's annual meeting and was supported by about 50 members.

Alcan closed its Midsomer Norton factory at the end of 2006, with bosses saying they would not renew the lease on the clubhouse, which is on the same site. They have since given the club a stay of execution, until June this year.

Club members, who are all former Alcan workers, are now stepping up their efforts to keep the clubhouse, which they use for regular community and social events, open.

Wansdyke MP Dan Norris, along with the chairman of Alcan LMPA Pensioners' Association, Keith Ball, and association president Brian Nairn are to meet Alcan representatives in April to discuss the issue.

Mr Ball, a former works engineer, said: "I was involved from the outset of the original club and no matter what they say, the club was given to us and should still remain in our hands. When the factory closed in recent years the workers were compensated highly.

"Some of our members had more than 40 years' service and, in my opinion, should be treated as fairly as those who left more recently. The pensioners are being left behind and it is totally unfair."

Director of Alcan Legal Services, Kate Anthony- Wilkinson, agreed the club provided a social benefit but said it had no legal or moral responsibility to retain the club after its lease expired on June 30.

PRINT VETERANS TAKE SOCIAL CLUB ISSUE TO AGM

10:00 - 14 February 2008

The Alcan company said after the factory closure that it would not be renewing the lease on the clubhouse, which is on the same site. That angered pensioners, who use it for social and community events, and raise thousands of pounds through charity functions.

Their pensioners' association will hold its annual meeting at the clubhouse at 2pm on Wednesday, and will be taking their club banner with them to show solidarity over the campaign to keep the club open.

"Given the current position of the site, Alcan is not in any position to make a decision or comment on the intentions of any subsequent purchaser of the site," she added.

ACTS PREPARE TO TAKE TO STAGE IN CABARET

10:00 - 07 February 2008

A cabaret night, with music, magic and comedy will be held at Mardons Social Club, in Midsomer Norton, on Saturday, February 23.Entertainments manager John Leahy recently attended a talent showcase and has picked four acts for the show.

Music will be provided by singer Stephanie Scott, while comedy will come from Tank Sherman, who recently appeared on two DVDs produced by Jethro.

Tensai will perform impressive illusions, and compere Garry Dorsey will bring it all together, adding his own brand of humour.

Tickets cost £8 in advance and are available at the social club bar and from Bert Jones on 01761 434752.

They will cost £10 on the night and the show will start at 8.15pm.

Full entertainment listings for Mardons are available on its website, www.socialclub-info.co.uk .

"Clearly, this is unacceptable to the pensioners, whose salary sacrifice funded the club in the first place and to the members who have fought for the retention of what they know was a gift from the original owners."

MEMBERS BATTLE TO KEEP FACTORY SOCIAL CLUB GOING

10:00 - 15 November 2007

Members of Midsomer Norton's Alcan Social Club have been told by the site owners of the factory, to which it is attached, that it may not stay open beyond June 2008.The club, known to residents by its old name of Mardons, is fighting for existence after the closure of the Alcan Packaging plant.

It has been negotiating with the Alcan company to retain the club premises, where more than 700 people meet for social events and charity work.

Originally, the building was gifted to Alcan employees in lieu of salary increases during a government wage freeze.

The current lease on the site was signed in 1997 and expires on December 31 this year.

Brian Nairn, former managing director of the factory and now club chairman, said: "We are in the process of signing the next, and what Alcan state is the final, lease, which only keeps the club going until the end of June 2008.

"Alcan has stated in writing that it will not renew the lease again."

Mr Nairn added: "Clearly, this is unacceptable to the pensioners, whose salary sacrifice funded the club in the first place and to the members who have fought for the retention of what they know was a gift from the original owners."

The club has asked Wansdyke MP Dan Norris (Labour) for advice and support, and he has agreed to meet its officers.

Alcan management has not commented on the lease issues, but states on its website that it has a policy to invest in the communities it serves.

Members plan to continue regular Saturday night entertainment while they campaign for the club's survival.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: BUSINESS AS USUAL AT SOCIAL CLUB

- An official response to the current rumours.

"With regard to the raffle I was delighted that my print of The Five Arches helped to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.
It would be a tremendous loss to the community should Mardons have to close and I would like to think that I could donate more pictures in the future." Roger Jones