Saturday night fever

UNFORTUNATELY the move to free admission to the monthly upstairs Saturday artist nights in January, February and March failed to bring any increase in attendances or bar takings.

Meeting the artists' fees from the bar takings would have resulted in a considerable loss. However, by diverting admission ticket profits from tribute nights and Rock the Rec, where ticket prices range from £5 to £10 the club managed to just about break even on the three upstairs Saturdays.

Obviously subsidies of this nature cannot continue indefinitely. Tribute and Rock the Rec ticket profits are intended to finance more of these evenings and also contribute towards repairs and redecorations in the concert room. The new blinds replacing the somewhat aged curtains in the concert room were paid for from Rock the Rec profits.

As ever conscious of our role as a social club we wish to continue these nights for as long as possible for the benefit of members and their guests who do support them. The question is, how do we increase attendances and, consequently, bar takings to make these nights self-financing?

Is the present format - two 45-minute sets, bingo and raffle - outdated 25 years into the 21st century? Would three 30-minute sets from the artist and no bingo be a more attractive proposition?

Let us know your views and ideas. We would particularly like to hear from those members who do not find the present format appealing. What would make you more likely to attend? Put your views in writing and leave behind the bar or email info@crossgatesrec.org.uk.

In the meantime, free admission will be extended to the next upstairs Saturday artist night on Saturday, April 12 when we welcome Amanda L'Ska who will be making her first appearance at the club. Come along and give her your support.

Eyes down on Tuesdays

STARTING on April 1 we're trying something new with the introduction of a Tuesday afternoon bingo session. This will be open to non-members as well as existing members.

Tea and coffee will be available for sale (£2) from noon to 3pm with the bingo starting round about 1pm. These afternoons will continue for a trial period, so come along and give a whirl.

David Ward
Chairman
On behalf of the Board of Directors