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A Brief History of the Bishop’s Storford

Social Club

The   founder   of   Bishop’s   Stortford’s   Working   Mens   Club   was Rev     Richard     Alliot,     Headmaster     of     the     town’s     Non- conformist      grammar      school      (now      Bishop’s      Stortford College),   which   began   after   he   convened   at   a   public   meeting held   at   the   Corn   Exchange   on   4   December   1873.   Supported by   two   members   from   the   Club   and   Institution   Union,   90 men had joined the club by the meeting’s end. Most   Working   Mens   clubs,   even   though   they   were   teetotal, started   in   public   houses.   It   was   soon   conceded,   even   by   the Church,    that    a    pint    of    beer    would    not    hinder    the    men’s mental    and    moral    stimulation    for    which    the    clubs    were intended.   Bishop’s   Stortford’s   club   wasn’t   established   in   any of   the   town’s   many   public   houses,   but   in   a   small   private property   behind   the   Corn   Exchange   that   had   previously   been used as a wine shop. That   property   was   No   6   Market   Place,   owned   then   by   a   Mr Heath   and   today   by   Nockolds   Solicitors.   Seeing   the   house now,    it’s    hard    to    believe    so    many    members    could    have crammed   themselves   inside   it,   despite   the   owner   opening   up the   old   wine   cellar   to   accommodate   them   all.   Needless   to say,   the   club   quickly   outgrew   the   premises   and   moved   to   a much larger Georgian house in South Street. Women   and   commercial   travellers   were   welcomed   at   the club   from   the   start,   and   a   coffee   room   was   opened   for   their use.   Members   also   had   access   to   a   large   library   and   reading room,   academic   studies,   billiard   tables   and   ‘refreshment’. The   club   did   in   fact   surpass   all   expectations,   so   much   so   that even    the    new    premises    was    becoming    overcrowded.    The problem   of   finding   additional   space   for   recreational   needs was   solved   in   1878   with   the   purchase   of   the   old   Agricultural Hall     in     Kilburn,     London.     Dismantled     and     brought     to Stortford,   it   was   then   re-erected   on   land   behind   the   club. During   the   next   fifty   years,   both   club   and   hall   endured   much social   change   but   their   aspirations   contributed   a   great   deal of good for the benefit of the town and its’ community. In   the   1930s,   commercial   interest   in   the   freehold   of   both   the Working   Mens   Club   and   the   Great   Hall   led   to   discussions   on its   possible   sale,   and   by   1936   purchase   of   a   new   site   for   the club   was   firmly   on   the   agenda.   The   availability   of   a   derelict plot   of   land   next   to   Holy   Trinity   church,   costing   only   £500, somewhat   hastened   the   decision   and   an   offer   of   £8,500   for the   freehold   of   both   club   and   hall   was   accepted   in   December 1936.    It    was    a    controversial    decision    that    led    to    much protest,   but   a   deposit   of   £50   was   paid   for   the   site   and   by April    1937    plans    for    a    new    club,    costing    £5,500,    were produced.   Built   within   a   year,   it   was   ceremonially   opened   by C. W. Randall on 23 November 1938. The   club   membership   continued   to   expand   post   Wolrd   War II   and   a   decision   was   made   to   expand   the   premises   with   the addition   of   a   3   bedroomed   flat,   garage   and   committee   room being   built   at   the   raer   of   the   property   during   the   1970’s. This   allowed   a   bigger   cellar,   bar   and   storage   space   as   well as more room for the members. The   Club   continued   to   thrive   but   it   was   not   until   the   1980’s that   women   were   afforded   associate   membership   but   were not   allowed   access   to   the   snooker   room   or   have   any   voting rights.   Eventually,   in   1995,   women   were   allowed   to   become full   members   (with   access   to   the   snooker   room!)   and   they have   proved   to   be   complicit   in   the   promotion   of   the   Club   as a   welcoming   and   friendly   place   to   pass   the   time   and   enjoy oneself. In    2010,    following    a    great    deal    of    discussion,    the    Club decided   to   change   its’   name   to   the   Bishop’s   Storford   Social Club   in   an   effort   to   change   its’   genrally   perceived   image   of   a ‘Workingmens   Club’   to   a   more   inclusive   establishment.   In addition     to     this     the     Club     underwent     a     considerable refurbishment   program   to   further   enhance   the   facilities   with the    addition    of    a    Function    Room,    professional    kitchen, carpets,   furniture   and   fittings.   Good   quality   food   is   available on   a   daily   basis   with   the   Sunday   roast   dinner   proving   very popular.. The    Club    has    always    boasted    that    their    wide    variety    of lagers,   real   ales,   cask   beers   and   wine   prices   are   the   most competetive   in   the   local   area   and,   despite   the   opening   of other     establishments     offering     some     cheap     drinks,     we maintain   that   we   are   still   in   that   position.   This   has   been enhanced    of    accreditation    status    from    the    Cask    Marque organisation   for   the   quality   of   our   real   ales.   Thanks   for   this are   largely   due   to   the   negotiating   skills   of   the   Manager   and the    prudent    stewardship    of    the    Club    by    the    Managing Committee. Live   entertainment   features   on   a   regular   basis   which   is   well attended    and    appreciated    by    the    members.    Families    are encouraged    to    use    the    club    and    facilities    for    such    are available.   A   well   appointed   and   sunny   patio   with   it’s   own bottle   bar   is   very   popular   during   the   summer   and   outdoor functions   including   Music   Festivals.   The   spacious,   modern lounge   is   fully   air   conditioned   with   a   relaxed   and   friendly atmosphere. There   are   a   wide   range   of   facilities   and   activities   in   the   Club which include the following: - Live    music,    Music    Festivals,    karaoke,    juke    box,    gaming machines,    darts,    snooker,    pool,    crib,    raffles,    prize    draws, probably    the    biggest    Christmas    Draw    in    the    area,    bingo, poker   nights,   members   and   family   outings,   SKY   TV,   BT   TV, large   screen   projector,   6   large   screen   televisions   including an   85”   screen   in   the   function   room,   family   fun   days,   spot prize   nights,   horse   and   dog   raceday   outings,   golf   days,   free newspapers, library, private function room, etc.

Entertainment

Gallery

Bishop’s Stortford Social

Club

104 South Street Bishop’s Stortford Herts CM23 3BG tel: 01279 654960 email: bswmc@btconnect.com web: www.bstortford-socialclub.com Manager: Joe Edmunds (Soon to be replaced by Rachel Hatton and Graham Percival) Club Secretary: Ian Storey Club President: John Thompson Treasurer: Trudi Marsh Membership Secretary: Jenny Percival Committee Chairman: Steve Taylor Committee Members: • Peter Fleming • Pauline Taylor • Jaqueline Goldsmith • James Felton • Valerie McRither • Trevor King • Rachel Hatton • Jenny Percival • Jake Cooper • Valda Edmunds • Peter Taylor • Steve Crouch Arbitrators: • Jack Greenley • Keith Brown • Michael Noad • Richard Browne Financial Officers: • Roy Lawrence

Contact

Functions

Following      considerable      planning, forethought   and   endeavour   the   Club now   has   modern,    clean   and   pleasant facilities   to   hold   functions   of   any   kind catering for up to 75 people. In   addition   to   our   on-site   catering   we can    provide    a    private    bar    and    will assist   in   the   preparation   of   the   room to the requirements of the hirer. It    is    a    perfect    venue    for    birthday    parties,    christening,    wakes, annivarsaries,    office    parties,    club    meetings,    societies,    training events, etc., at very competetive rates.

Catering

The     club     kitchen     has     recently undergone            a            complete refubishment   and   is   now   equipped to     a    very    high    end    professional standard.   We   welcome   anyone   to physically view the facilities. The   kitchen   is   run   on   a   professional basis        and        provides        quality, homemade   food   with   a   wide   variety   of   dishes.   Our   catering   staff   are confident   that   the   standards   set   will   be   welcomed   by   guests   and members alike and be something the Club will be proud of. In addition to function catering we have a comprehensive daily menu with all food prepared freshly to order. Every Sunday we serve a full roast dinner which is proving very popular with all the ingredients being freshly made. To look at the menu click here We   now   boast   an   85”   television   in   the   function   room   which   means that   members   can   watch   programmes   without   the   distraction   of   the noise   and   other   programmes   being   shown   on   the   TV’s   in   the   main room. We even have the facility of 4-pint beer dispensers available. More information may be obtained by calling the Manager on 01279 654960 or by emailing at bswmc@btconnect.com

Functions

Serving Times Monday - Closed Tuesday - Temporarily Closed Wednesday and Thursday - 12 Midday to 6pm Friday - 12 Midday to 6pm (9pm on Karaoke Nights) Saturday - 12 Midday to 5pm (9pm on Entertainment Nights) Sunday - 12 Midday to 4pm * * Please note: Some items on Daily Menu may not be available - check with kitchen before placing order. Food will usually be available during special entertainment functions - see notices in Club. Daily Menu ** See bar top menus for Daily Specials ** ** Basket Meals available on request ** MAINS Sirloin Steak with Fried Tomato, Peas and Chips or New Potatoes £6.50 Homemade Chilli and Rice (Veg or Meat) £4.95 Chichen and Bacon Pie with Chips or Mash and Peas or Baked Beans £4.95 Homemade Cottage Pie with Peas or Baked Beans and Gravy £4.95 Lasagne with Garlic Bread, Salad and Coleslaw £4.95 Baked Salmon Fillet with Lemon & Dill Sauce with Salad, New Potatoes or Rice £5.25 Sausage and Mash with Onions and Gravy and Peas or Baked Beans £4.95 Lamb Chops with Salad and Rice or New Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables £5.95 Hunters Chicken wit Chips or New Potatoes and Peas or Salad £5.50 Cheese Omlette and Chips or Fries (add Ham or Mushrooms-50p extra) £4.50 Ham (2) Eggs (2) and Chips £4.50 All Day Breakfast - Sausage, Egg, Bacon (2), Hash Brown, Baked Beans or Fried Tomato, Toast and Butter £4.95 Beef or Cheeseburger in a Brioche Bun with Coleslaw, Fried Onions and Fries £4.95 Crispy Chicken and Bacon Wrap with Coleslaw and Fries £4.95 SALADS - Served with Crusty Roll Chicken Caesar Salad £4.50 Seafood Sald with Prawn, Salmon and Seafood Sticks £4.50 Ploughman’s Lunch - Cheese, Ham or Pate £4.50 CHILDREN’S MENU - All £3.50 Chicken Nuggets, Chips and Peas or Baked Beans Sausage and Mash or Chips and Peas or Baked Beans Fish Goujons with Mash or Chips and Peas or Baked Beans Mini Pizza and Chips with Beans or Coleslaw LIGHT BITES Tuna Melt Panini £3.50 Ham, Cheese and Onion Panini £3.50 Cheese and Bacon Panini £3.50 JACKET POTATOES Tuna £4.00 Baked Beans £3.50 Chilli £3.60 Cheese £3.50 Ham, Cheese and Mushroom £4.00 Chicken Mayonnaise £4.00 NACHOS Nachos with Cheese and Sour Cream £3.00 Ultimate Nachos with Cheese, Sour Cream, Homemade Chilli and Jalapeño Peppers £4.50 SIDES Chips or Skinny Fries £1.50 Cheesy Chips £2.00 Side Salad £1.00 Onion Rings £1.00 Coleslaw £1.00 SANDWICHES and BAGUETTES Sandwich      Baguette Hot - Sausage    £2.50        £3.00        - Bacon    £2.50        £3.00        - Egg    £1.50        £2.00 Ham    £2.50        £3.00 Cheese    £2.00        £2.50 Tuna Mayonnaise    £2.50        £3.00 Chicken Mayonnaise    £2.50        £3.00

Members Incentive Scheme From     2016     an     incentive     scheme     for     members     aimed     at increasing the overall membership of the Club was introduced. A   credit   of   £10   will   be   added   to   the   membership   card   of   the Proposer   of   the   new   member   on   completion   of   the   recruiting process and they have paid their joining fees in full. The   credit   may   be   redeemed   over   the   bar   for   the   purchase   of food and drink at any time. There   is   no   restriction   on   the   number   of   credits   a   member   may earn by introducing new members. Please note there is no cash alternative.

Guest Entry Fee for Live Entertainment Will   members   please   note   that   an   entry   fee   charge   of   £2   will   be imposed   on   guests   for   live   entertainment   events.   The   events affected   will   be   notified   on   the   boards   and   posters   in   the   Club, the    Club    website    and    the    Club    Facebook    page.    It    is    the responsibility   of   members   to   ensure   guests   are   signed   in   and pay this fee.

Car Park Permit Scheme During    membership    renewal,    members    will    be    asked    if    they wish    to    be    registered    on    the    scheme    and    details    of    the vehicle(s)    will    be    taken    in    preparation    for    the    issue    of    the permit. Once    this    is    implemented    any    vehicle    found    in    the    car    park without   the   permit   being   displayed   will   have   the   vehicle   number recorded   and   a   ‘Parking   Infingement   Notice’   attached   to   the windscreen. Update   (March   2018)    -   Due   to   continued   misuse,   the   following rules will now apply: - • Warning   letters   will   issued   to   parking   offenders   on   the   first two ocassions of parking infringements; • A   third   offence   will   result   in   a   letter   giving   notification   that the   member   is   barred   from   parking   their   vehicle   in   the   car park for one month; • Any   further   infringement   during   thiis   one   month   period   will result   in   the   member   being   automatically   suspended   from   the Club   to   appear   before   the   Committee   at   a   convenient   date. This   may   result   in   further   measures   which   may   impact   on   the membership status of the offender.

Introduction of Guests Signing   guests   into   the   Club   is   required   by   law   and   failure   to   do so   may   jeopardise   the   Club’s   licence.   The   Club   relies   heavily   on the   honesty   and   integraty   of   all   members   to   comply   with   this rule    and    the    Management    Committee    will    not    hesitate    in applying disciplinary action for those who breach it. The   information   below   is   an   excert   from   the   Club   Rule   Book under Rule 31: - A   member   may   personally   introduce   friends   as   their   guests,   but no   member   may   introduce   more   than   three   (3)   guests   at   any one   time.   The   member   introducing   the   guest(s)   shall   sign   their name   in   a   book   kept   for   that   purpose   together   with   the   name   of the   guest(s).      No   guest   may   be   signed   in   more   than   twice   in   any three    (3)    month    period    should    they    be    eligible    for    Club membership. Members     who     introduce     guests     on     certain     entertainment events,   days   or   evenings,   will   be   subject   to   a   small   admission charge,   the   level   of   which   is   available   via   the   Club   notices   and website.   The   Managing   Committee   may   review   this   from   time   to time, but it will not exceed ten pounds (£10). The following shall not be admitted as guests: (a)  Former members who have been expelled. (b)   Former   members   who   have   ceased   to   be   members   through non-payment of subscriptions. (c)   Persons   who,   having   been   nominated   for   membership,   have not been accepted. (d)  Members who are under suspension. (e)        Persons    who    have    been    expelled    or    who    are    under suspension from any other Club or public house. Members   must   accompany   guests   introduced   by   them   during the period of their stay in the Club. The   Managing   Committee   reserve   the   right   to   remove   any   guest from   the   Club   who   may,   in   their   opinion,   act   inappropriately   and may   subject   the   member   introducing   such   a   person   as   a   guest to disciplinary action if they so think fit. Note:   The   above   rule   also   applies   to   those   who   are   granted temporary    membership    while    waiting    for    their    membership interview. 

Club Control System As   you   will   be   aware   the   Club   have   installed   a   new   Club   Control System   which   will   integrate   several   of   the   functions   now   carried out    separately.    The    overall    effect    will    be    to    streamline    the Club’s    operating    procedures    and    a    summary    of    these    are detailed below: - Credit card size membership card which works on a proximity basis on the door entry system. Card is easy to carry in a wallet or purse so less likely members will forget it. Card can be pre-loaded with money and used to purchase food and drink at members rates – so don’t forget your card! Loyalty points scheme can be integrated on card to give regular Club users chance to build up points (accumulation and redemption details to be announced). This will be reviewed and a decision made it once the card system has been fully implemented and any problems overcome. Membership renewal will be made on card which automatically updates current membership and automatically cancels if not paid by end of renewal date. A photograph image of the card user appears on till to verify users credentials thus preventing card abuse. Three tier price system to differentiate between members, guests and visiting sports teams ensuring members only get the full benefit of cheaper food and drinks. Bar purchases are automatically registered on the stock control system via the tills. Food orders automatically fed to kitchen printer via till ordering system which will quicken up ordering and gives timed receipt. 24/7 service contract means faults and problems rectified quickly. If   you   have   any   questions   or   queries   please   direct   these   to   the Manager,   Committee   Members   or   Secretary   who   will   endeavour to provide an answer.