GREAT START TO THE NEW YEAR WITH A SUCCESSFUL SHOWCASE
The first showcase of 2011 was a great night, George Knight and his band kicked off proceedings with an excellent set including many of the tracks from his 'Harlot Cowboy' EP. Next up was the headline band, Daedalus' Right Eye, who performed their own original songs and a number of very good covers including Kings Of Leon's 'Use Somebody'. The final act was the Obnoxious Toddlers, returning after their very popular first appearance last year. The crowd responded to their upbeat and energetic performance as you can see in the video above.
A massive thank you to everyone who joined us for the afternoon - we hope you all had a great time. As always Glyn provided an excellent disco and entertainment - we hope to see you again next year! look out for entertainment throughout the year - you are always welcome.
New Year's Eve was a huge success once again this year, thanks to everyone that came to party with sneakers.
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SUCCESSFUL CHRISTMAS EVE @ MARDONS
The kids party on Christmas Eve was a great success and probably the busiest yet. The visit by Father Christmas was a highlight of the day and we'd like to say a big thank you to him.
The evening was a trumph too, with Johnny's Day Out attracting a great crowd, as always they were exceptional. Thanks to all the friends and family that joined them and helped to make it such a great party atmosphere.
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LINDEN HOMES PRESS STATEMENT - 21st DECEMBER
The owner of the Alcan site in Midsomer Norton, Linden Homes, has offered reassurance to members of the Alcan Mardon Social Club regarding the ongoing future of the Club.
Since purchasing the site in March 2010, the developers continue to work with the Club representatives with a view to securing future uses of the Club.
Linden Homes has recently extended the lease of the building to September 2011 and following feedback from recent public consultations are reviewing options for the building and club.
These include:-
• Investment needed on the building itself to improve appearance and ongoing upkeep
• Provision of sufficient access and parking
• Assessing other community facilities in the area
• Financial viability
Project Manager Andrew Godden explains:
“We understand the Social Club’s importance to this area which is why we continue to work with them. We have been looking at the existing building and the facilities it offers in the context of the wider community, as well as the Club itself.
Should Linden Homes planning application be successful there will be funding available to invest in community facilities, and we remain committed to achieving this.”
ENDS
The social club committee has always been keen to work with the developers to enhance the social club, build on its role within the community and explore what further services it may be able to offer in the future.
There is genuinely a great deal of support for keeping such a valuable social facility, not just from the hundreds of existing members but also from councilors, local police, and the planning officers, who are just a few of the groups and organisations we have met with.
As we have always maintained, it would be a great loss to the area should a thriving club be forced to close or even to merge with another and we feel that this statement is a good first step in a new relationship that could well be beneficial to local people.
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BOXING DAY TICKETS HAVE ALL BEEN SOLD
As of Monday 20th December, all Boxing Day tickets have gone. Sorry if you have missed out. We have just a few New Years Eve tickets left - we are not able to reserve tickets - they are available on a first come first served basis from the club bar. Don't forget we have the very popular Johny's Day Out on Christmas Eve, tickets also from the bar or from the band.
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KIDS CHRISTMAS EVE AFTERNOON PARTY - ALL WELCOME
Mardons Social Club is pleased to invite both local residents and the wider community to come along to the Kids Chrismas Eve Party. For the past few years the event has grown into a day that is enjoyed by the whole family and not just the younger members, entry is free to all, but parents and guardians must remain on the premises at all times.
Superb organisation by club regulars Lucy Galpin and Barb Stevenson along with Club Chairman Glyn Young, will mean that your children will be entertained whilst you recover from the trials and tribulations of the festive season at the bar. The organisers, who all give their time voluntarily, will be providing arts and crafts, quizzes (for adults as well as children), all manner of party games, a treasure hunt and lots, lots more.
This year, there's a special guest appearance from the man himself, Father Christmas will take time out from his busy day to pop in and see all the good little boys and girls! The event runs from 12noon til 3 p.m., so if you've finished your shopping and wrapped your presents, why not take the youngsters along.
On behalf of Alcan Mardon Social Club thank you to the organisers and a Merry Christmas to you all!
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IT'S TIME FOR THE ALCAN MARDON REUNION - SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER
It's time for old friends to meet up and have a great night out - the Alcan Mardon reunion this year has been organised by Keith Ball and he is confident that Jonathan Mark will do a great job entertaining everyone. Jonathan is a vocal/comedy/cabaret artist and will be sure to make the evening go with a swing. Don't be put off if you aren't a former factory employee, you are more than welcome to come and enjoy the night, the more the merrier!
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BIG NIGHT AT MARDONS - FOUR ACT LINE UP
Friday, 10th December was a big Showcase night for Mardons, with no less than four top names on the line up. Kicking off was Josh Thorner, who, after playing three sets at Glastonbury earlier
in the year, went on to win both this year's Mardi Gras and Battle Of The Bands competitions. He has since been playing numerous gigs in London where he is receiving a great deal of music industry interest. His self penned songs are full of emotional highs and lows romanced by string-laden climaxes and heart felt vocal melodies. His debut EP 'Sound of the Drums', is currently available.
Doctor Nut are a progressive punk band, but that barely starts to describe their innovative and catchily infectious sound. They perform fun and amusing songs that fuse all manner of styles, frenzied,
sometimes manic but always enjoyable Doctor Nut need to be experience first hand. Their EP, 'Music for Owls, Butlers and Professors' is full of some of their best tracks.
With new material on show, great support and an army of fans, Private Riot made a welcome return to Mardons. After the success of their first visit. The six piece band, who comprise of students
from the four local schools were keen to take the opportunity to play on such a high profile line up.
Headlining the night was Frome's top rockers The Joe Public. With four Glastonbury Festival performances, three UK tours and two successful EP's, The Joe Public are set to be huge and are a band to watch out for. Original and creative, they brim with confidence and demand attention. Their stylish and fresh sound has found them countrywide interest and their latest EP 'This Army' is out now.
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HIGH SPIRITS AT HALLOWEEN FANCY DRESS PARTY
We hope everyone who attended the Halloween party had a great time. We were very pleased to see so many dress up in spooky costumes - both youngsters and adults. Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets. The total raised from this event and the earlier Quiz night came to about £500 - so on behalf of Dorothy House can we say it's very much appreciated. We must also thank The Radstock Co-operative Society for their generous donation of prizes for the draw.There are more photos over on our facebook page facebook.com/mardonsclub, and if you have any you'd like to share feel free to upload them
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A GOOD MIX OF ENTERTAINMENT AT THE SHOWCASE
Things have gone from strength to strength over the months, with these nights becoming ever more popular. On Friday, 29th October, three very diverse musical genres united for one such evening, when young local talents came together to offer 'something for everyone'.
Local lad, Mike Hooper of A Cute Stick, played the first set of the night, performing his own captivating acoustic material such as 'Brave Smile' and the enchanting 'Guardian'.
Next up were the Obnoxious Toddlers, a ska band made up of students from Writhlington School. They performed fun covers and their original material in a style they describe as 2-tone vibe with a west country edge. They certainly got the large crowd behind them especially with their rendition of Nelly the elephant.
Finally it was over to a metalcore band, something the club had yet to experience. Five piece, Drop B have played locally and on Somer Valley FM, they introduced their own brand of metal music, including self-penned songs and hard hitting covers. More photos at facebook.com/mardonsclub
A big thank you to everyone that came along to support our latest showcase night. ......................................
THANKS TO ALL WHO TOOK PART IN THE CHARITY QUIZ
The charity quiz for Dorothy House on 25th September was very well attended, with 16 teams taking part and enjoying the evening. Thank you to all the participants, to all those who supported the raffle and to Alan, Hazel and Holly for all the hard work they put in to making it a success. Raising funds for Dorothy House is particularly important to us, we will be holding our Halloween Fancy Dress Party once again this year and we hope to make that as successful as previous years - please come an support that event.
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TRIPLE BILL SHOWCASE PROVES TO BE A MASSIVE NIGHT
The Showcase Night on September 24th was a huge success, drawing in a large number of guests all keen to be entertained by the three incredible bands.
Private Riot kicked off the night with a rousing set, including a gritty performance of Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name Of'. We must give them special thanks for helping to promote the night, their facebook event page generating a lot of interest.
Next up was Here On Out who worked the crowd and performed enthusiastic tracks from their album 'Don't Sweat Over It', launching in to their set with the incredible 'Smashing Lampshades & Moonwalking On Beer' which grabbed the crowd and brought everyone to the front of the stage.
The final band and headlining the night was The Operation. They generated incredible sounds and performed some favourites from their debut album, 'Beautiful Days' as well as introducing some massive new tracks from their second album 'Human Zoo' including 'Come Clean' and 'The City Tonight'.
The official launch party for 'Human Zoo' is at The Cheese & Grain in Frome on 8th October. On that night not only will The Operation be joined again by Here On Out, but also by another great band that's been receiving a lot of attention - The Joe Public. We hope they have a great night.
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FAMOUS FACE AT MARDONS - COMEDIAN RUSSELL HOWARD PAYS A VISIT
The excellent Russell Howard was a visitor to the Social Club on Saturday afternoon (11th Sept). Russell generously sponsored the Westfield Under 11's football kit. The team, who are now making use of the club as a social meeting place and base, were joined by Russell for the afternoon to watch the football on the Big Screen. Earlier he had been to see the boys match and had intended to take part in the game, sadly a bad leg left him sidelined. (Picture features Russell Howard along with our bar staff member kieron)
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THE OPERATION'S GREAT NEW VIDEO - 'COME CLEAN'
Here's the great new video from The Operation. This video was filmed in Frome's Merlin Theartre, it was directed by Richard Dimery and filmed by Chris Bailey - both from fellow Frome-based band Here On Out, who will play with them at the showcase on the 24th September. 'Come Clean' is taken from The Operation's second full-length album, which was tracked in January at Real World Studios with Ben Findlay (Van Morrison, Peter Gabriel, Stereophonics etc).
The Operation, Alex Veale (guitar/vocals) Oli Court (drums) and Nick Wilton (bass and vocals), recently played five successful sets at the Glastonbury Festival and had exclusive interviews on the festival's radio station Worthy FM. Please come and see them at the Showcase - FREE ENTRY
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STORMING SUCCESS FOR YOUNG TALENT PERFORMING A SHOWCASE
Can we say a massive thank you to the young men who performed on Friday night. The students of Norton Hill School that made up Blackjakk and their talented friend Luis, who performed under the stage name of Masquerade were incredible and their abilities should be commended.
Luis's performance was outstanding and as it was the first time he'd performed publicly, we have to say we'd never have known - he was both confident and entertaining. The Blackjakk boys performed an impressive and pounding set that was enjoyed by everyone and even led to Mardons first experience of 'attempted' stage diving and crowd surfing - who'd have thought it!
With the negative publicity that local young people in the area are receiving, we have to give credit to the audience the two acts brought with them. The majority it seems, were from the sixth form of Norton Hill School and they represented themselves brilliantly. We were extremely impressed by how well mannered and polite they all were and whilst enthusiastic in their appreciation of the talent on offer, never overstepped the mark. Both Norton Hill School and their parents should be proud, and we would happily welcome them back in the future.
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AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWCASE FROM THE BRISTOL BANDS
A big thank you to both 'Goodness' and 'In Your Honour' for their Showcase Night. We were really impressed by both young bands and their original material. The night started with an acoustic version of the Pretty Reckless's 'Make Me Wanna Die' demonstrating excellent vocals from In Your Honour's lead Jay Parker. When joined by the rest of the band, the audience was treated to a powerful performance that set the tone for what was to come from Goodness. We had high expectations for Goodness and they didn't disappoint. Amazingly mature and poweful vocals from band members and a good range of perfectly performed songs. We wish both bands well for their future and thank them for coming to the Social Club.
Thanks also to our good friends at the Journal for the publicity and a big thank you to the Somerset Guardian too.
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SOMERSET GUARDIAN & THE JOURNAL PRINT LETTER REGARDING OUR FUTURE
CLUB'S DOORS ARE STILL OPEN, SO LET US ENHANCE, NOT DESTROY IT
I am writing in response to the article "MP gives Prattens club support over revamp plans". Firstly, I would like to say how pleased I am for the Prattens Club. They are an excellent community amenity. However, I draw issue with the article over its reporting of Mardons Club. As a trustee of the Mardons Club I have a responsibility to point out that its closure is far from the fait accompli the article made out.
Some monies from the development of the Alcan Mardon factory site had been promised to the Mardon social club by the house builders in the early planning stages to improve the facilities. Indeed the club was to form part of a wider social amenity for community groups for the new housing that is to be built.
The club is still fighting this decision and challenges any threat to its closure. It must be remembered that in 1978 the club was given to the workers by the factory owners as a social facility. It is on the premise that the trustees of the club along with the management committee are determined to keep the facility open. The club belongs to the people of our town.
The club remains the focus of many activities for the town community as well as supporting the activities of the families of the factory workers. As the chairman of the Mardons Pensioners' Association, which represents more than 100 retired factory workers from the site, the club is pivotal to the existence of our organisation.
The club provides a regular social amenity for the pensioners and for many this is a most cherished and valued aspect of what they now do, providing a life-blood of vitality. Mardons Club has also been approached by other potential users within the town and as such is drawing up a community business plan.
The club is a real resource for families and the community, so, with a growing town and more new houses, please let us enhance the club not destroy it.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, as our MP, I ask that you support our campaign to remain open and to support our town's social facilities by challenging the actions of these developers. While remaining apolitical as Jacob's predecessor Dan Norris was a huge support for us and helped get us to the negotiating table. I ask kindly that our new MP now picks up the baton for us.
In the meantime, the doors of Mardons Club remain open.
KEITH BALL - Mardons Social Club Trustee
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SOMER VALLEY FM BACK THE GOODNESS SHOWCASE
The Goodness have been made BAND OF THE WEEK on the Somer Valley FM Breakfast Show. That means the boys will be live in the studio this Friday morning for an interview and to play one or two acoustic tracks. Listen in and then join us for the full set in the evening!
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GOODNESS & IN YOUR HONOUR SHOWCASE 20th AUGUST
It's the showcase night this Friday, please come along and show some support for the two bands. Here's another taster of Goodness:
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BOGOF - THAT'S BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
This weekend, Friday, 13th – Sunday, 15th August, we're offering a buy one get one free offer on Kronenbourg 1664. With our prices already some of the best in the area this promotion will be hard to beat! This offer is exclusive to members only on production of their current and valid membership card.
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GREAT NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFER - JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE DRINKS VOUCHERS
Always looking at what we can do for our regulars, we are now able to offer a great new incentive for anyone joining the social club as a member. When you apply for or renew your membership and pay your £5, we'll give you 5 x £1 drinks vouchers to spend at the club's bar - Essentially we're making the club as accessible as possible and making membership virtually free!
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PAULTON CONCERT BAND ARE LOOKING FOR MEW MEMBERS
Paulton Concert Band performed a spectacular concert at the club on Friday, 23rd July. The band are grateful to the social club for allowing them to use their premises. The band performed a varied musical extravaganza under the leadership of their Musical director, Richard Soulsby. The repetoire included marches, 'Barnard Castle', 'The Stars and Stripes Forever', 'The Padstow Lifeboat' , 'Men of Harlech and music from the show Oklahoma. The audience was taken on a journey with 'Journey Through America' and 'Edelweiss'. The theme music from the film Braveheart , 'For the love of a Princess' was played and the bands overture was 'Encanto'. Fun pieces were 'Hootenanny' and the theme from the TV show 'Vicar of Dibley' as well as Elvis Presley's 'Can't Help Falling in Love'. Other pieces included 'As Time Goes By' , 'A Special Place and 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'.
The concert concluded with a finale of 'The Fianal Countdown', 'Ashokan Farewell' and a rousing performance of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' . The evening was a special occasion for the Musical Director, Richard Soulsby, who was celebrating his wedding anniversary and during the band playing 'When You Wish Upon A Star', he presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers. The chairman, Rodney Williams thanked the band and the audience for their support. The concert was the first time since he formed the band 29 years ago that he had not performed as a player - having handed over the responsibility of the percussion to a much younger experienced player. Presentations were made by the chairman to Richard Soulsby, consisting of £100 from The Drummer Boys skittles team for band funds and a conductors baton in a presentation case, in recognition of 15 years service.
The band is in need of new members and would welcome them to band practice on Monday evenings, 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Parish Church of Holy Trinity Paulton. For mor information contact Rodney on 01761 415558.
The Social Club would like to thank the Paulton Concert Band for their kind words which can be found on our feedback page - they are much appreciated.
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ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT OUT FROM JOHNY'S DAY OUT!
Friday 16th July saw the return of local lads 'Johny's Day Out' to the Social Club.The previous week they were the 'special guests' at the Midsomer Norton Mardi Gras, after winning the bands competition last year.
Just like last time, they drew in a good crowd of their loyal supporters as well as a lot of locals. The music was as always great and their original songs were some of the highlights of the night. It's easy to tell how much they enjoy performing their own material.
The next SHOWCASE we have booked is going to be a great one. 20th August will bring us the talented 'Goodness' who will play with the impressive 'In Your Hounour' - that's two amazing bands on one exceptional night - and FREE ENTRY -DON'T MISS THEM!
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GOODNESS CONFIRM WHAT IS SET TO BE AN EXCEPTIONAL SHOWCASE NIGHT!
Bristol based 5 piece Goodness will be coming to Mardons Social Club on August 20th for their first appearance at our SHOWCASE NIGHT. With their own brilliant and original material we are sure they will be a huge success. It's free entry so there's no excuse for missing these guys.
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GREAT SHOWCASES BEING LINED UP FOR THE SUMMER
Johny's Day Out will return on July 16th due to popular demand after their packed first appearance in April Read more about Johny's Day Out. On August 6th we are delighted to announce that rising stars Bullit will stop off at the club for their SHOWCASE NIGHT. The talented trio have been rocking top venues in London and gaining US radio play, but will return home for one night and bring with them another excellent trio, Bristol based The Soulvents Read more about Bullit and The Soulvents. As always these SHOWCASE NIGHTS are free to enter and everyone is welcome.
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EARLY OPENING FOR THE ENGLAND MATCH FRIDAY 18th JUNE
Thanks to everyone who came along on Saturday to watch the game and create such a great atmosphere. A special thanks to the bar staff and their helpers for their hard work on a very busy night. In preparation for Friday's game the club will be open from 6 p.m. as always entry is free and everyone is welcome. We are also opening at 2 p.m. for the wednesday afternoon game (23rd).
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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!
