CISWO CLUBS AND THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE 

CISWO often reminds clubs that like it or not we are now an intrinsic part of the leisure industry.  Whilst our clubs rely on members, the bottom line is that they are customers and clubs must compete with other outlets for their leisure pound. According to a recent report some twenty million people in Britain have stopped taking regular trips to the pub in order to save money.  Whilst that report does not specifically refer to clubs we know that clubs are equally affected.  The same report has revealed that families are changing their shopping habits, taking packed lunches to work and cancelling charitable donations and holidays.

In addition to the credit crunch, clubs must compete with supermarkets which are now selling some lager for less than the price of bottled water.

One of the reasons for the so-called ‘staying-in culture’ is the ability to purchase large quantities of alcohol cheaply.  Other reasons include forms of home entertainment such as the internet and also Sky TV; which for most clubs is now an unaffordable luxury. Staying at home also does not involve drink driving or the fear of crime and for those few who still smoke, does not involve having to stand outside.

There is no one single reason which explains why clubs, as part of the leisure industry, are generally in decline.  It follows therefore that there is no single piece of advice or ‘magic wand’ answer which will solve every club’s problems.  CISWO as an organisation with several hundred members clubs receive reports from clubs suffering having been caught in this national trend but we also hear from clubs doing better than they have for a number of years, bucking this trend.

All clubs must adopt certain fundamental policies and practices in order to compete with other leisure outlets.

Importantly, membership recruitment drives must be promoted by all clubs, co-ordinated by the committee and enthusiastically supported by members. Clubs must look at all overheads and ask the question; do we need it - and if so – can we get it for less? The ability to deal with employment matters professionally and consistently is vital.  If a club is employing two or more bar staff during hours when the club is not busy then economic sense should dictate that the club is paying too much in wages.  Many clubs operate quiet periods by using voluntary staff recruited from the committee and membership, whilst I would be the first to agree that this is not an ideal situation, it is certainly preferable to making a loss. 

Difficult times mean difficult decisions will have to be made in many clubs in respect of reducing working hours and in some cases redundancy.  Please refer any employment issues in doubt for legal advice to the club’s solicitor.

Most clubs have rooms which are not utilised sufficiently.  In every community there are groups which need to meet and are willing to pay room hire to do so.  This type of renting does not always involve bar activity but it does open the club up to people who might otherwise not think of joining.  Hiring out rooms in this way is an important method of reinforcing the club as the heart of the community. Clubs which have function rooms and similar facilities must ensure that these are marketed to make sure they are used effectively each year.  

It is possible to advertise facilities such as this without falling into unacceptable advertising and avoid any accusations of a club not operating within the scope of its constitution or certificate of registration.

Members should also be encouraged to hold their own family events and private parties within their club. The fact is that guests of a member are entitled to purchase their own drinks. Please note that room hire is free of VAT provided it is for the exclusive use of the hirer. Also, when a room is being hired out for any occasion make sure that membership application forms are available. Clubs must be welcoming and take every opportunity to attract new members. 

A recent survey covering 143 clubs found that the average loss of clubs had increased from £3,500 in 2006 to £4,191 in 2007. The report for this current year is likely to be worse. This annual survey identifies that clubs with better facilities and in particular, active sports teams have continued to do well showing that there is still a strong market for clubs. 

In my opinion, a club with active sports teams is likely to have an active and motivated committee. I do not think that sports teams alone are the reason for success, they are simply one of a number of indications that a club is benefiting from a good committee. 

The survey pointed out that smaller clubs were not receiving bonuses from breweries. I have long held the view that breweries must not become so focused on the large volume outlets that they no longer provide favourable service and discounts to clubs which need assistance. If breweries are to develop and maintain long standing relationships with clubs then it must be all clubs, not just those which have high volumes, strong memberships and few problems.

Underlining the point I have made above regarding employment, the survey shows that although wage costs are static in real terms they continue to rise as a share of bar takings; total wage cost account for 32.5% of bar takings compared to 22% 14 years ago, the equivalent ratio  for JD Wetherspoon is 26%. The survey suggests that if clubs are to return to profitability it is in the area of employment costs that savings will have to be made

We are all aware that energy costs have increased this year beyond expectation and that rises are likely to be experienced in 2009. It is important for clubs to bear this and other cost increases in mind when calculating next year’s budget. If your club is breaking even at the year end it may not do so next year unless expenditure is cut and income increased.

During the last decade clubs have experienced an almost endless round of new legislation affecting almost everything; employment, licensing, taxation, gambling, clean air, the list goes on. Clubs are at times treated in almost every way as commercial outlets yet are expected to be managed voluntarily as ‘not for profit mutual trading associations’. There are now very few legislative helping hands or special treatment that acknowledges the important role which clubs play in our communities.

In spite of all this, some clubs have reported an increase in the number of membership inquiries with the resulting increase in bar income.

Several CISWO clubs have benefited from the closure of other members’ clubs and pubs. I have no statistics to either support or disprove this claim but there is no doubt that some pubs are closing and as a result their customers and regulars will make their way to alternative venues which include our clubs.

There is, I think, another reason which explains some clubs reversal of fortunes and it is one which we have experienced during previous periods of economic difficulty. When people change their spending habits they do so across the entire socio-economic sphere, as people move to less expensive supermarkets they will also change their leisure and drinking venues.  As a result people look for value for money and quality of service. CISWO clubs have always offered good value and importantly a safe social environment for people who, broadly speaking, have the same outlook on life and share the same values.

Each CISWO club must appraise its own particular situation and identify areas which require attention.  However, there is a common denominator, new membership is the lifeblood of any club, this has always been the case and will continue to be so.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance. 

Ian J.S. McAlpine Regional Manager (Scotland)

 

CISWO - Do you know who we are? 

The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) is a National Charity.  It has been operating for over 50 years and has a focus on the key role of delivering community and personal welfare services within mining and former mining communities. However, not many people are aware of the range of services available.

In an effort to raise the profile not only of services available from CISWO but also from a range of Statutory and Voluntary bodies across the region, CISWO are holding 2 Open Days within the Northumberland & East Durham Coalfields which are free to attend and open to everyone.  

The first event will be held on Thursday 11^th October 2007 from 10am-2pm at Blackhall Community Centre, Hesleden Road, Blackhall, Co. Durham.

This will be followed on Thursday 18^th October 2007 from 10am-2pm at Hirst Welfare Centre, Alexandra Road, Ashington, Northumberland. 

A range of organisations will be attending both events which are open to the general public. CISWO are encouraging anyone living within the former coalfield communities to attend. Vincent Clements, Regional Manager of CISWO in the North East Region advises 

“Despite being around for more than 50 years many individuals are not aware of the services CISWO can provide. The aim of these events is to promote the range of social activities, advice and personal welfare services available to individuals and we would encourage anyone young or old to attend.” 

For further information please contact CISWO on 0191 477 7242

 

SHOUTING FROM THE ROOFTOPS

Howard Stone, chair of the trustees for Newbridge Memorial Hall is delighted that Cadw has given them £130,000 grant

FUNDRAISING for the Newbridge Memo recieved a major boost after Welsh historic monuments body Cadw handed over £130,000 yesterday. 

Officials visited the Art Deco style Miners Institute and Memorial Hall and decided they wanted to support restoration efforts.

They have earmarked the cash to go towards repairing the roof, and told chair of trustees Howard Stone it could be just the start of things to come.

Mr Stone said: "They said they would be pleased to support the project until its conclusion. They seemed very happy to support us." 

He added the money was very welcome as the Memo staff prepare to start the first round of applications for funding from the national lottery Heritage Fund. 

They hope to get the majority of the £3 million they need from the lottery fund but most of the money they've got so far has come from Caerphilly county borough council. 

Mr Stone said: "Obviously we are pleased. It's another funding body that has come on board and hopefully there'll be more to come. 

"We are currently finalising the details before putting in the first stage application to the Heritage Lottery Fund."

Community Cancer Care Services - South Wales

Click the button to view news item on funding shortfall and potential impacts at this project in South Wales. Please note video is 8MB in size, if you have a slower internet connection please be patient.

Harrisons Recreation Ground and Welfare Institute

Harrisons a Miners' welfare in the Great Wyrlie area has reached the final 3 in the Express and Star Newspaper "Social Club of the Year" competition. Competing against all the clubs in the West Midlands, including the giants of Birmingham, this is an outstanding achievement for a small social club.

With the final judging being made in May at a gala evening in Birmingham we wish them luck and congratulate them on their continuing success.

Sports Development

The Coalfield Regeneration Trust and the Football Foundation have announced that they will be funding a sports development worker at CISWO in the Western region for another 2 years to help support the development of sports in mining communities.

This work will build on the successful development already carried out which has seen an increase in participation of several hundred percent among women and young people in the sports activities based at miners' welfares. The previous work has also contributed to welfares being able to upgrade facilities and meet the highest standards now demanded by leagues and participants.

Peter Martin the CISWO development worker will be continuing his role of providing support to welfares and community groups in mining communities.
 

 

Stakeford & Bomarsund Sports & Social Welfare Centre

Stakeford & Bomarsund welfare, located in Wansbeck District in South East Northumberland is to undergo a substantial refurbishment worth £500k following support from the Big Lottery Fund, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, North East Area Miners Welfare Trust Fund, Sita Environmental Trust and Sherburn House Charity.

The refurbishment work will include, installation of a lift and staircase to provide access to two first floor community rooms along with internal remodeling of the building to create a café and reception area and a dedicated youth room. New toilets will be installed along with a general refurbishment of the center’s heating and electrical systems. The external appearance of the welfare will also be improved with the installation of new railings along its front entrance and redecoration of the render finish.

This work will mean the centre can cater for a wider section of the community and to compliment the physical works to the building, Coalfields Regeneration Trust have awarded funding for a full time development worker to help develop new activities from the centre. Kerri Jobson who was born & bread in nearby Ashington will start work at the beginning of January and is eager to work with members and local residents to develop new activities. If you do have any ideas then pop in to talk to Kerri or give her a call on 01670 812495.

Pegswood Social Welfare Centre 

Pegswood Welfare Hall is to undergo substantial refurbishment following support from the following grant funders;

 Sir James Knott Trust, Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear & Northumberland, The Joicey Trust, RW Mann Trustees, William Webster Charitable Trust, Pegswood Parish Council, Sita Environmental Trust, Castle Morpeth Borough Council , JH Burn Charitable Trust and Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
 
In total, in excess of £150,000 has been secured to refurbish the existing toilets and provide toilets accessible for disabled residents, install a new kitchen, remodel the entrance to improve access and install a new gas heating system. This will improve the facilities for the benefit of all members and the wider community. In edition to this work the Probation service have decorated the building throughout and undertaken minor repairs. It is hoped the building work will be completed by the late Spring 2006.

One of the services to benefit from this work will be the McRory Foundation. This charity has been established by the former boxing champion Glenn McRory who is planning to establish a boxing school and gym within the welfare centre to provide a programme of training activities for children and young people within the village.

Blackhall Community Association

Following a grant of £246,000 from the Big Lottery Fund Blackhall Community Centre will be refurbished to improve access into the building and create a Community Gym. A dedicated CV suite will provide the local to access which will be the only gym facility within the village. It is hoped to develop a wide programme of activities from the centre to compliment this. Building work will commence in the Spring and it is hoped all work will be completed by early Autumn 2006.
 

Newbridge Memo Celebrates Funding Fortunes

Newbridge Memo (Celynen Collieries Workmen’s Institute, a registered charity number 244723) the runners up in the 2004 BBC 2 Restoration final, have secured the first stage of funding allowing them to take one step closer in their ultimate goal of restoring Wales’ finest Art Deco Theatre/Cinema and Miners’ Institute. 

The details of the funding package were announced on Friday 18 November 2005 at a Conference held at the Memo, themed “Restoring our Past for the Future”, which set out to explore the importance of Wales’ architectural heritage and its future role in economic regeneration of Welsh Communities.  Details of the £50,000 secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, under the auspices of its Project Planning Grants initiative were announced t delegates at the Conference by Mr Don Touhig MP for Islwyn.  Delegates from all over Wales and Representatives from all the major heritage and design bodies in Wales including Jennifer Stewart, Manager for Wales, Heritage Lottery Fund; Maldwyn Davies, Chief Executive, Caerphilly County Borough Council; and CISWO’s Chief Executive Mr Vernon Jones MBE, and South Wales’ Regional Manager, Mr Andrew J Morse, were present at the announcement.

Jennifer Stewart, Heritage Lottery Fund, Manager for Wales said “the Memo and Institute is a key building in Newbridge that deserves to be opened up to as many people as possible.  This grant will enable the team to move plans forward and ensure a suitable end use for the building which will start a new chapter to add to its fascinating history.

 Howard Stone, Chairman of Newbridge Friends of the Memo said “this is wonderful news for all our hardworking volunteers and many supporters throughout Wales and the UK.  It will now allow us to develop a detailed Project Development Plan, analysing all aspects of architectural and social heritage of the building, future audiences and overall sustainability of the project.  This is the first step towards restoring one of Wales’ architectural gems, built for and by the people of Newbridge.

 It is envisaged that the developmental work will take six months to complete.  Watch this space for future developments.