Formal venue review

18th September 2025 Venue decision and Adrian Quiz – Alan Folwell

Generally, a social evening with Alan F’s analysis on the Venue questionnaire and the important decision that followed. Whatton Jubilee Hall proved also a good venue with Maggie had prepared a ploughman’s Supper, with us all bringing our own drinks and glasses (NB Roadworks planned on the A52 after 8pm).

Stan initially gave us an update on the annual Crocus planting, this year at East Bridgford, which involved the St. Peters Rota Kids on Friday 17^th October and Orston on Sunday 27^th October, all in support of Rotary’s international Polio campaign. Gordon informed us about a new Club that had been formed from 15 of Nottingham’s Indian community, who’s inaugural meeting he had attended.

Alan F then reminded us of our task for a new venue, which involved The Rutland Arms at Bottesford and the Piano at Radcliffe, once The Nottinghamshire G & CC had ruled themselves out.  The decision to give each venue 4 opportunities, which proved a good decision; all but 6 had responded to Alan’s questionnaire and his analysis was interesting. He first looked purely on a ‘venue basis’, which they came out fairly equal, as it also did on a ‘meeting room’ basis.  On the ‘food and service basis’ The Rutland was a clear winner. But the final voting was 22 The Rutland to 5 for the piano, a clear decision for which Alan suggested it was put forward as a proposal by David E, 2^nd by Steve C, which was unanimously agreed upon. A few questions followed regarding the noise levels and could they be improved? On the basis that the Rutland would be given a 6-month contract with a review in March/April 26.

The use of outside caterers was a possible alternative  with possible venues at Jubilee Hall and The Grange Hall at Radcliffe And Alan asked for suggestions for suitable caterers .Alan also mentioned that we would be taking our Christmas Dinner at the Anchor, Gunthorpe

Adrian had distributed his Acronym Quiz earlier to give the 4 table groups the opportunity to think about their answers, quite a challenge with 25 questions.

All great fun and with Top Table, consisting of Gail, Alan F, David E, Derek G, Stan and Gordon scoring 24 points. But again, the winning prize was shared by all.

Gail gave the Vote of Thanks to Maggie, Alan and Adrian and asked members to join her in the usual warm round of applause.                        AR