|
|
Post by Sparky on Jan 18, 2013 23:46:08 GMT
I think that this is the third time in the last 4 years that something like this has happened at the Roffey Club and agree with BigTJ entirely that we should seek an alternative venue.... any suggestions would be welcomed?? 8-) The Holbrook Club (formerly Sunallon) Horsham would probably bite your hand off and we found them very accommodating when forced to find alternative venue. Nice Club with plenty of space with movable partitions if required. Not sure if Car Park is large enough if other users are there. There is a kitchen but do not know what arrangements are possible. well worth the enquiry :) 01403 751150 Vic Razzell used to be involved with the club as well as playing there and will PM his phone number if required. |
|
|
|
Post by JB on Jan 19, 2013 0:14:51 GMT
One thing that has to be considered when looking for a new venue is that they would have to store the tables between the two weekends.
Think it would be a good idea to start a new thread for suggestions and keep this one for confirmation of inter league teams
|
|
|
|
Post by bigtj on Jan 19, 2013 7:53:33 GMT
Please use this section to put forward ideas re the one day inter league future.
|
|
|
|
Post by BB Warrior on Jan 19, 2013 8:21:58 GMT
How about the Hurst Club in Hurstpierpoint?
They are always very helpful with the Sussex Individual Competitions and I am sure that they would be pleased to have the business.... especially at the moment.
Last weekend we had 6 tables and just under 70 people taking part in the Individual Comps.... for the One Day Inter League we would need 7 tables but would have between 40-50 people there so we would not need so much seating and a table could easily be placed where the stage was positioned. ;D
As far as table storage is concerned, if the Hurst Club could not store these between the 2 weekends, the tables could be put away in the AEBBA van.... which could then live on my driveway for the week to save Dave Alder bringing them back down again.... and then returned back to the venue for the following weekend. 8-)
Much less hassle for those involved in running the competition and a venue that would actually WANT us.... seems like a simple solution to the problem to me. ;)
|
|
|
|
Post by bigtj on Jan 19, 2013 10:13:44 GMT
Good idea Dave, my other concern although we have not been mucked about with this so far is the Sussex Master and OPen weekend. Does seem that it is onlt February that the Roffey change things and always around the darts.
Hurst which will hopefully survive the problems they have at the moment will always if the wekend free accomadte us happily and we have the kitchen for Colin to do the catering. Also the revenue would helpo towards the clubs finances.
Do think Holbrook is also worth exploring as to the advantages they have of size, but would still need to check storage, and catering arrangements.
|
|
|
|
Post by BB Warrior on Jan 19, 2013 18:44:40 GMT
Think we should tread a bit careful here with comments. Yes it is very annoying what has happened again but we still need to use this venue this year and for the masters and sussex open in June. Trying to find another venue that can take 12 tables have ample parking a kitchen for food and mostly sole use of the room will not be easy. Although I agree that finding a venue big enough to hold the Sussex Open will not be easy.... I am not so sure that we should have to tread on eggshells as far as letting the Roffey Club know that we are unhappy that it always seems to be the Bar Billiards that they mess around! >:( Over the course of the 6 days that we hold competitions there, we bring more than 300 people into the Roffey Club and I would be surprised if the "average spend" behind the bar is less than £10 per person.... the darts probably brings in more than that, but it would still make a sizeable dent in their income if we went elsewhere. :P The Holbrook Club is definitely worth investigating further and there may be other venues that we can consider in the future as well. 8-) |
|
|
|
Post by JB on Jan 19, 2013 19:38:35 GMT
Trust me when I got the phone call the Roffey were certainly made aware that we were unhappy!
At this late stage I personally (just got too much going on) haven't got the time or inclination to try and find anywhere else for this year but would be willing to look for next year.I really don't want someone to report this back to them and they then come up with some reason why they have to cancel the June dates. Unlikely I know because of the revenue they get.
It was more annoying this year because I was promised the dates wouldn't get changed but unfortunately that was by a new committee member who I think has since stopped using the club.
It's also unfortunate that the County darts will not change their dates and also pay (a lot) to the club for holding it there.
Here's a list of what we would probably be looking for
A free room that is large enough to take 12 tables and 100+ people
Ample parking
A kitchen that can be used for cooked meals.
Able to get in Friday night and 8.30 Saturday and Sunday
I start getting the entry forms out for the sussex open at the Oxford so the venue will need to go on them
|
|
|
|
Post by Ros on Jan 19, 2013 20:26:40 GMT
I don't think anyone is suggesting that we should change this year, Jean. However, I agree with Dave: we are the ones that have been messed around and we shouldn't be treading on eggshells.
If the Roffey club did decide to shoot themselves in the foot, by taking exception to the fact we are upset at being messed around, we would find a solution somehow (and it wouldn't be all left up to you!) But I very much doubt they would be that daft.
Going back to suggestions, how about St Francis social club at Haywards Heath? The room that you walk through to get to the bar billiards table always seems empty (although maybe it isn't at weekends?) and that is large, with a big stage area off to one side, which could house more tables and probably be used for storage. St Francis probably holds the world record for the longest time a BB team has been in continuous existence at a single venue too!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2013 20:35:52 GMT
Going back to suggestions, how about St Francis social club at Haywards Heath? The room that you walk through to get to the bar billiards table always seems empty (although maybe it isn't at weekends?) and that is large, with a big stage area off to one side, which could house more tables and probably be used for storage. St Francis probably holds the world record for the longest time a BB team has been in continuous existence at a single venue too! For the uninitiated, St Francis is the old name still retained by the club on the premises of the Princess Royal Hospital at Haywards Heath. It was successfully used for Finals Nights for Mid Sussex for a number of years. Shaun (SpecialOne) is our Forum contact and perhaps should be invited to comment on its viability. |
|
|
|
Post by bigtj on Jan 20, 2013 7:42:11 GMT
Think we do have to protect Roffey for this seasons events as lot involved in changing now, but we must start the ball rolling in getting ideas and checking them out in the future, and as Clive says if we have contacts withinb those suggested venues we should use them if they are willing to help.
|
|
|
|
Post by BB Warrior on Jan 20, 2013 9:55:51 GMT
Going back to suggestions, how about St Francis social club at Haywards Heath? The room that you walk through to get to the bar billiards table always seems empty (although maybe it isn't at weekends?) and that is large, with a big stage area off to one side, which could house more tables and probably be used for storage. St Francis probably holds the world record for the longest time a BB team has been in continuous existence at a single venue too! Always good to have new suggestions, although from (distant) memory of having Cricket AGM's at St Francis in years gone by I'm not sure it would be big enough to host the Sussex Open.... :-/ ....but certainly worth having a look there. ;) What other possibilities are there.... United Services Club in Haywards Heath could be an option.... if we could take over the entire main bar area for a weekend.... I think you could certainly fit 8-10 tables in there and there is a kitchen and (some) parking on site as well. ;) Hurst Club.... plenty of parking, kitchen on site and always very helpful. 8-) But you wouldn't get more than 8 tables in there as a maximum and there wouldn't be enough room for 100 people so holding the Sussex Open there wouldn't be realistic. ::) Holbrook Club.... from memory the function room there would be big enough to hold any of the competitions there and it does have parking and kitchen facilities so definitely worth looking at as an alternative to Roffey. ;) I can't immediately think of any alternative venues in the Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Worthing Areas.... although I do remember that the Sussex FA Headquarters in Lancing were mentioned as a possibility for a competition a few years ago, but I don't know how large that is or if anybody has any information about that? Similarly, I don't know if there are any alternatives in Crawley, Eastbourne or Chichester areas that other people could suggest? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2013 17:58:43 GMT
Similarly, I don't know if there are any alternatives in Crawley, Eastbourne or Chichester areas that other people could suggest? Nothing in Crawley come to mind, a price 'weighting' tends to apply due to the proximity of the airport. I did however hear something interesting on Wednesday about plans for Southwater Sports Club: the local council has bought the plot of land on which it stands, and of course the sports pitch, for future development. As part of the deal, however, a new pavilion will be built further along the road. The 'old' premises won't be demolished until the new has been fully equipped, and it will be a case of closing one on one day and opening the brand new one for business as usual the next day. At the moment the Southwater SC is my favourite club to visit, due to its reasonable prices. ;) ;) Its present function room is about the same size as Roffey Club's, and although this is probably a year or two down the line, it could well be worth investigation some time in the future. :-/ |
|
|
|
Post by gandalf the untidy on Jan 20, 2013 20:17:23 GMT
Similarly, I don't know if there are any alternatives in Crawley, Eastbourne or Chichester areas that other people could suggest? Nothing in Crawley come to mind, a price 'weighting' tends to apply due to the proximity of the airport. I did however hear something interesting on Wednesday about plans for Southwater Sports Club: the local council has bought the plot of land on which it stands, and of course the sports pitch, for future development. As part of the deal, however, a new pavilion will be built further along the road. The 'old' premises won't be demolished until the new has been fully equipped, and it will be a case of closing one on one day and opening the brand new one for business as usual the next day. At the moment the Southwater SC is my favourite club to visit, due to its reasonable prices. ;) ;) Its present function room is about the same size as Roffey Club's, and although this is probably a year or two down the line, it could well be worth investigation some time in the future. :-/ Nothing suitable in eastbourne that i can think of :'( |
|
|
|
Post by BB Warrior on Jan 20, 2013 21:59:59 GMT
At the moment the Southwater SC is my favourite club to visit, due to its reasonable prices. ;) ;) Its present function room is about the same size as Roffey Club's, and although this is probably a year or two down the line, it could well be worth investigation some time in the future. :-/ Is it really that big.....? :o :o :o If it is, then it is definitely worth considering as there is a car park almost opposite the Club. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2013 22:15:57 GMT
Is it really that big.....? :o :o :o If it is, then it is definitely worth considering as there is a car park almost opposite the Club. ;D I haven't really studied its dimensions with a tournament in mind, but last time we were there they were holding a bingo or whist drive or something and it reminded me of Roffey. I would think 8 tables would fit, but as both the Football and the Cricket clubs share, availability may be limited. May be better to wait until the new building is ready - who knows, it may even have increased floor space. |
|
|
|
Post by Sparky on Jan 20, 2013 23:47:51 GMT
United Services Club in Haywards Heath could be an option.... if we could take over the entire main bar area for a weekend.... I think you could certainly fit 8-10 tables in there and there is a kitchen and (some) parking on site as well. ;) There is a Function Room upstairs and I seem to remember Lorraine saying that it was used for BB comps in the past. Getting the tables up and down stairs has to be considered but has been done before, I assume. Do not know how many tables it could take but think enough for One Days but not 12 tables for the open. The Function room is self-contained with bar and toilets. Think it legally can take 160 people but that can be confirmed easily. Some on site parking which is probably adequate during the daytime depending on any other functions (evenings can be full). Food has always been made available to us. Early morning access has always been allowed, by appointment of course. I can make enquiries for future reference, especially as the Club President plays in our team 8-) Viewing is possible except when a function is held and club stays open from 12 noon right through to closing time. as an after thought we might be able to use the Front Bar as well, which has worked well for MS Master comps, and that boosts the table numbers. ps Doubt they would agree to taking over the whole of the main bar, especially over a weekend. |
|
|
|
Post by Sparky on Jan 20, 2013 23:55:09 GMT
Trust me when I got the phone call the Roffey were certainly made aware that we were unhappy! At this late stage I personally (just got too much going on) haven't got the time or inclination to try and find anywhere else for this year but would be willing to look for next year.I really don't want someone to report this back to them and they then come up with some reason why they have to cancel the June dates. Unlikely I know because of the revenue they get. It was more annoying this year because I was promised the dates wouldn't get changed but unfortunately that was by a new committee member who I think has since stopped using the club. It's also unfortunate that the County darts will not change their dates and also pay (a lot) to the club for holding it there. I fully understand and sympathise with your position Jean and can confirm your comments as being correct :) Here's a list of what we would probably be looking for A free room that is large enough to take 12 tables and 100+ people Ample parking A kitchen that can be used for cooked meals. Able to get in Friday night and 8.30 Saturday and Sunday Guess 12 tables are needed for the Open, so what would be the minimum or preferred number for the One Day Comps ? |
|
|
|
Post by BB Warrior on Jan 21, 2013 8:22:52 GMT
Guess 12 tables are needed for the Open, so what would be the minimum or preferred number for the One Day Comps ? We need to have 7 tables for the One Day Inter League Competitions.... and currently use 6 tables for the Sussex Individual Competitions that are held at Hurst Club, although it would be easier to work a table schedule if we used 8 tables for that. ;) |
|
|
|
Post by BB Warrior on Jan 21, 2013 8:40:56 GMT
United Services Club in Haywards Heath could be an option.... if we could take over the entire main bar area for a weekend.... I think you could certainly fit 8-10 tables in there and there is a kitchen and (some) parking on site as well. ;) There is a Function Room upstairs and I seem to remember Lorraine saying that it was used for BB comps in the past. Getting the tables up and down stairs has to be considered but has been done before, I assume. Do not know how many tables it could take but think enough for One Days but not 12 tables for the open. I think that could be a problem then, as I doubt if the AEBBA Insurance Policy would cover either damage to the tables or personal injuries in the event of an accident for that.... :-/ |
|
|
|
Post by SirKT on Jan 21, 2013 9:57:54 GMT
The Sussex FA headquarters in Lancing would be an option if there was no football on. During the regular season, I doubt you would get 2 weekends running where there wasn`t a game.
When the fixtures come out for next year, it could be checked out :)
|
|
|
|
Post by Sparky on Jan 22, 2013 20:28:47 GMT
We need to have 7 tables for the One Day Inter League Competitions.... and currently use 6 tables for the Sussex Individual Competitions that are held at Hurst Club, although it would be easier to work a table schedule if we used 8 tables for that. ;) Thanks, I will have a recce and see what is possible..... out of interest 8-) I think that could be a problem then, as I doubt if the AEBBA Insurance Policy would cover either damage to the tables or personal injuries in the event of an accident for that.... :-/ Good point and that makes it very unlikely to be considered :( |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2013 18:09:53 GMT
Is it really that big.....? :o :o :o If it is, then it is definitely worth considering as there is a car park almost opposite the Club. ;D I haven't really studied its dimensions with a tournament in mind, but last time we were there they were holding a bingo or whist drive or something and it reminded me of Roffey. I would think 8 tables would fit, but as both the Football and the Cricket clubs share, availability may be limited. May be better to wait until the new building is ready - who knows, it may even have increased floor space. I put a feeler out on Southwater Sports Club, and Tony Temple has come back to me. We have something that maybe could be discussed with the County Association at one of the weekends that are coming up. |
|
|
|
Post by Sparky on Feb 8, 2013 22:20:12 GMT
There is a Function Room upstairs and I seem to remember Lorraine saying that it was used for BB comps in the past. Getting the tables up and down stairs has to be considered but has been done before, I assume. Do not know how many tables it could take but think enough for One Days but not 12 tables for the open. I think that could be a problem then, as I doubt if the AEBBA Insurance Policy would cover either damage to the tables or personal injuries in the event of an accident for that.... :-/ I have been assured that the Haywards Heath United Services Club's Insurance covers both the tables and the 'humans' :) as they have to have it to cover the bands and their equipment (or other users) that hire the Function Room throughout the year. So it would be an idea for someone to come and check it out as I think it possible to hold 8 table events there :) AND of course do not forget the Holbrook Club in Horsham. |
|
