Mardons Social Club Header
 
 
SOME FEEDBACK FROM THE SITE FORMS
Age?
What is the appeal of Mardons Social Club compared with other local clubs, pubs?
What additional facilities/services could be introduced so that is a facility that could be used by the wider community?
If the Social Club was relocated elsewhere, where, would be an ideal location (elsewhere on the factory site, Midsomer Norton High Street or where?
17
I love it, Please don’t !. I love it here. Lots of family legacy
Better awareness of location
Norton
55
Mardons is a very friendly club with
entertainment for all tastes and personally it is within walking distance
Local playgroup, which I have ran for the last 30 years and would be willing to move if an appropriate room was available.
Elsewhere on the factory site (we need it kept in Westfield area)
37
It’s a nice place to be when its the weekend and I need to escape my wife’s violent sex games
More parking
Just leave it be
60
A welcoming friendly club appealing to all
ages from small children to the elderly, within easy walking distance from a large number of houses.
A newly refurbished ‘catering style’ kitchen to enable lunches for the elderly and functions.
The major attraction of the club is its current location. As a family orientated club it is an ideal location and with its increased number of dwellings planned by Linden Homes, it would be a facility that could go from strength to strength. Its closure would be to the detriment of the area, both for the current users and the prospective users in the wider community.
27
Family orientated, friendly atmosphere
 
18
Social friendly atmosphere
 
50
Friendly, quiet and sociable
Area for children
37
Local, entertainment, prices, people.
Mini bus service, food, snacks
Elsewhere on factory site
46
The alcohol is great price. Great for music
More events
I want it to stay where it is
30
Local to our house, reasonable walking
distance. Safe friendly environment to bring our children on a Saturday and Sunday afternoons. No busy road traffic. Kids love the big open space
To suit the ‘wider community’ requirements – day time activity usage would be most beneficial
Ideally same locality, not High Street – too busy and full of underage drinkers.
38
A great place to meet good people, play snooker, watch football etc
Beer. Drinking here for 20+ years. Plus all facilities covered
Not Norton High Street – are you mad ?
44
Gig nights, comfortable surroundings
Anything !
Keep it in its place
56
Family atmosphere, Good live entertainment
 
Car park used by club
48
Great club, cheap beer, good music venue, well ran, clean tidy, approachable people etc etc
Keep it open !!!
Factory site (somewhere)
55
Good skittles venue
Function hall
Elsewhere on factory site
50
Its more of a club than any other pub/club – build around it, not through it or on it.
Just keep the club as it is and let the people use it as it is should be used.
34
Friendly atmosphere, safe, family orientated, good regular entertainment – varied for all music types.
Playgroups/toddler groups, after school youth club (4-6).
Don’t move. Stay in Westfield.
19
Such a shame guys. It’s a great club. Just renew the god dammed lease
 
18
The best and only social club left – comfy and warm atmosphere.
Creche
Somewhere on the site
40
Friendly – my son plays football for Westfield Football Team and we have a lovely time.
A football pitch and sports centre
On the edge of the new housing estate. This club has been here a long time and is part of the community. It’s a friends/family gathering!
46
Meeting with people you know and variety of bands every Saturday night etc and Xmas and New Year.
 
Within the car park area
14
Cheap prices, good atmosphere when busy
Better garden (eg swings, playgroup. Private room
Elsewhere on factory site
20
It is a quiet, comfortable place to have a social drink that doesn’t have the anti-social problems that pubs in Norton do
Why don’t you tell me what pubs in Norton High Street are doing the day to make sure they can stay open ?
It shouldn’t move – only to elsewhere on the site. Moving to Norton will alienate our clientele. This club is an ideal location for families to come and feel safe when leaving at 11 o’clock at night . Its AWAY FROM all the anti social behaviour that pubs in Norton are renouned for. The club caters for the ignored target market. Closing it will leave them stranded with no social life. Unhappy people with then mean less people in the township which means less money for what you’re after. Signed common sense
18
It’s a nice quiet friendly family club, that’s good for everyone compared to noisy clubs full of young noisy kids just out to get drunk and cause trouble.
Nursery
Nowhere! It’s in a nice quiet location already.
27
To me it is a place where all ages can enjoy a good night out with entertainment to suit everyone
Introduce fun days to encourage more people to see what is on offer and what they might want from the club
Maybe Prattens . I don’t think the High Street is a suitable place because it could possibly attract the wrong customers as I see Mardons more as a family place/social club that does not belong in Norton
58
Good to relax and take family. Entertainment good for over 25 yrs
 
In car park
-
It’s the only good club for miles
More Bands
Midsomer Norton
14
Its good
Better toilets
Stay where it is
13
Local, snooker tables, good entertainment and reasonable prices, darts board
Have pool tables as well as snooker tables, Karaoke nights
Elsewhere on site
49
Varied activities eg Friday nights for new groups attracting a wide age range , bingo, dancing, wide screen TV. It provides a safe trouble free environment for all ages
Junior DISCO, scout or guide use, drama groups, youth club nights
Why not invest in merging with Prattens Social Club ? The club has always fostered a friendly atmosphere amongst all groups and ages unlike pubs and clubs in the High Street. There has never been any trouble that has required the attendance of the police.
17
They try and promote up and coming bands
Don’t shut down
Next door
48
Mardons club is the best run club in the area - it would be greatly missed !!
They just got to keep on doing what they are doing – maybe some day time stuff for the old folks
Take over Prattens could work !!
57
Main point – close to Home, have been here for 20 years . Other clubs in the area are not as friendly as this club
Pre School care, young mums clubs, DISCOS for under 16’s and some for over 18’s and over
On site preferred. Norton has too many pubs fighting for people.
21+
Local – you don’t have to drink and drive. Friendly people and staff . Fun place to be and great for families
Could do with nursery (crèche) , pool table, swings and slides
Its quite well populated where it is. Useful for locals Leave as it is or close as possible
49
Its atmosphere is excellent. Drinks are at club prices, so they’re cheaper
Bingo and quiz
Don’t relocate to anywhere else
54
The social club provides a meeting place for all Age groups. Weekend entertainment is of a high standard and of course its free to members.
Meeting place for other clubs and organisations
Leave it here
40
Very friendly/family club, more so than any other club in the area. Also has something for everyone
Pool league, Darts League
Should always stay out of the Town centre to keep a family club
34
Its Local. Friendly, encourages children and holds good events ie boxing day and Saturday evening bands
More curry nights and film nights - perhaps a regular food night ie Chinese
On the factory site would be best – next to newly built social housing on site
54
A well used meeting place
 
65
All age groups can use this club and be made welcome
A good place for new tenant of houses to meet and to get to know other people of Westfield
Elsewhere on the factory site
56
Its a very friendly club enjoyed by all ages. It would be a shame to see it go. Soon there won’t be anything left for anyone
Bingo, Toddlers, Playgroups, Coffee mornings, They already have Darts, Skittles, Pool, Snooker etc
I think it should be built on the old site as it is Mardons after all
17
It has a friendly atmosphere and everyone gets along.
There could be a few more activities, but it has everything you need.
Somewhere, but not on the high street, to keep it in the same area
37
Relaxed friendly atmosphere, child friendly
Aerobic classes
On the factory site
44
Very friendly. They cater for all ages and disabilities
 
They should keep it on the Mardons site, as it is Mardons after all
48
Family friendly. Caters entertainment for all ages
Wii Nights and play area for children
Either where the security Office is or behind Chaffinch Drive Estate
72
The appeal is the people that I have met over the years and the right size for private parties that I have held here
Car Boot, Playgroup, Keep fit, A dance club, Skittles, Pool, Meeting Place for new tenants of housing
Must be kept in Westfield as the District growing fast
29
Local, friendly, good music, snooker
Creche, pool table
Too many pubs in Norton anyway
49
Interesting place to have a chat with the family
 
Somewhere on Mardons site
30
Excellent Social Club, Very Child and family friendly
Daily childs activities, play groups etc after Council closing local groups at Norton Radstock college
Anywhere close to current location
57
Its local to home and has entertainment
 
If not here then elsewhere on the factory site
44
Comfortable, friendly people and staff. Local and able to drink there.
Youth club but only one night per week
Please keep it in its place
64
Mardons Club is a lovely friendly club that appeals to a very large age group. Also with so many pubs and clubs closing in the area it serves a great purpose
If they pull down the club, perhaps they can build 10 or more houses on the site. I think that’s whats behind it . Anyway who wants to walk down the High Street on a Saturday night !!!!
Where that slab of concrete is outside of the club and an entrance in and out of Linton Road or Hazel Terrace
60
Its friendly, convenient and within walking distance of the whole community
If you had a separate room for to do weddings etc, but the competition in this area is fierce
Where indeed ?
-
We have played here more than once and love the crowd, please don’t ear it down
If you tear it down, please make a new one relatively close
27
Great atmosphere, Cheap beer for my dad. Gurt awesome . Do not shut down
More awareness of where it is
Right by Norton Hill School
24
Its a nice friendly atmosphere. Never any trouble. I enjoy coming here for a quiet banter and to see friends
Nothing really - perhaps a play park for children , perhaps a weekly disco
Where it is – it is just fine
56
It s local to home and entertainment
 
If not here, then elsewhere on the site
43
Entertainment, Snooker, Reasonable prices and Good Atmosphere
Mini bus service. More family entertainment , Pool Table
Somewhere on the same site
84
Never any trouble
 
No where
13
I feel confident that everybody is sensible and trustworthy , so I don’t feel uneasy here
An area for kids maybe – maybe a dance mat, pool tables and a kids bar
Its fine where it is
57
The committee work hard to ensure that there is regular entertainment to suit all ages
During the day the club could be used by aerobics /slimming world classes
On the factory site
21
It is a friendly as well as being able to see a wide range of entertainment which you don’t get in a pub
 
Close to where it is. If it was moved, people won’t go
24
It is a good place to see up and coming new bands that won’t appear elsewhere, as well as other events which are different to what you would see in a pub.
 
I think close to where it is now would be ideal
29+
Plenty of variety
Playgroup, youth club, local clubs meeting place
60
Never any trouble, sensible prices
IT courses, pensioners club, focal point
31
Warm welcome, child friendly, competitive pricing
OAP social club, playgroups, training courses such as IT courses
A sensible place where people can get to
62
Family orientated and not too rowdy
Band practice hall suitable for concert bands
It is in an ideal location already
38
Good prices and atmosphere that is good for families
Pool tables
Don’t relocate
21
It has the best entertainment and the drinks are cheap
A dance mat
38
Sense of community which is little seen in today’s society . The atmosphere is unique and welcoming
Creche and day time activities
Fine where it is. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
33
Perfect setting for our band concert . A great space which could be opened up to groups from all sections of the community throughout the day
Nursery, after school clubs, brownies, guides etc
Elsewhere on the site to serve Westfield Primary and surrounds
64
Always a pleasant welcome. No one looks at you as to say who you are. All the club is family friendly
Kids out of school club, also childcare for residents
35
Easy get to entertainment every Saturday night
Playgroups, brownies etc pensioners club, bands etc Bus to and from the club
Don’t move it
41
The service is very friendly and happy
Park for the children
Its great where it is
21
I can walk up from my house and walk home safely
Its disability friendly
Because there is a club, it will draw people in to sell your houses
13
Its very good
 
72
Happy family friendly
Park for the kids
Its great where it is
13
It is good because everyone likes it
   
12
Its more of a family community
More toys and facilities for the children
Stay where it is
39
Local and very friendly , child friendly
 
It's fine where its to
25
It is in a perfect location
There could be two levels – upstairs and downstairs
On the housing estate
11
Friendly, happy, close by, fun times
Park for children
No where else, it is perfect
11
On the doorstep, happy, buzzing, been in this location for a long time
Park for children
No where else , it is perfect
28
Its close to where I live and is great when I have family over. We just walk up and are always made very welcome
Its perfect where it is
 
35
Its kid friendly so its fantastic for all the family
Kids parties
On the periphery of the housing estate
42
Local, well run , family friendly
Double storey ? maybe conference rooms, childrens party venue
 
58
Good prices, friendly people
Why build 200 houses and then try to shut the facilities that the new owners could use. Are there going to be more schools, doctors, dentists etc and places to park, 200 homes = 400 cars
Elsewhere on the factory site
38
It is one of the few social clubs left in the area. Events held here are always excellent – its more comfortable than a pub
More live bands, especially on Fridays
Elsewhere on factory site or possibly Westfield Trading Estate
42
Child friendly, cheaper prices, good atmosphere
Using the club for more child usage
Don’t move it, that would be silly !
55
Snooker. I play weekly off season and 2 times weekly in the season
Have local bands playing gigs ? Use it for youth events or conferences, meetings etc
Any where in Norton/Radstock
58
Local, friendly and good prices
 
Elsewhere on factory site
52
Local, friendly and reasonable prices
 
On factory site
60
We are always made welcome having been a carnival club member . It would be a shame if they were not allowed to continue with charity events ie quiz etc
A meeting room where young and old alike could meet and hold events to alleviate isolation for young parents, teenagers or anyone new to the area
Keep it in the factory site. The amenity was given to Mardons employees years ago , in lieu of bonuses and should not disappear
61
Good atmosphere, friendly welcome, entertainment and snooker
Short mat bowling and curling
On the factory site
60
Good social atmosphere and very reasonable prices
Karoke, pool family activities
Where it is
37
Nice quiet place to have a chat with your mates, play snooker, darts and skittles. Can’t do that in a pub round here, like you can here
Maybe try to introduce to the local football teams to use it more
No where- nothing wrong with it where it is
42
It is a more friendly atmosphere , more child friendly
Park for children, party/function rooms
On factory site
55
Friendly club with a forward thinking committee that looks to cater for all young and old alike . It has some of the last remaining snooker room facilities. A venue for young talented bands
It could be used by many clubs, societies and groups ie playgroups and older peoples groups
Not everything should be sited in Norton High Street- other parts of area need to be serviced
63
Welcoming warm atmosphere. Cheaper beer than pubs. Regular music
Creche, nursery, playgroup, keep fit, gym
Factory site. As a member for over 20 years I would be saddened to see the closure of such a great club. It is a club where single people feel equally at home as couples or groups. Lasting friendships have been made amongst members. It is tucked away does not in any way upset the local community, We were assured by Linden Homes that the social club would be retained. How can they go back on their word now.
61 Warm and friendly atmosphere, plenty of room to accommodate large bands and crowds Perhaps a playgroup for day time use or exercise classes, zumba, yoga or line dancing
On factory site. My husband and I have been members for over 20 years and in all that time we have never seen any trouble. By 12.30am everyone has left the premises causing no problems to local people . It would be a great shame to lose our social club and we hope that Linden Homes realise that places like this make new and old residents happier people and more confident with life.
54  
To have better bands for my age group. Not 60’s music please.
 
72
Other venues in the area do not have the music I like with the same frequency on Saturday nights
The development of day time activities
Elsewhere on factory site
51  
More 70’s 80s groups rather than 50s and 60s – Even too old for me
 
66
They have a good band base that should appeal to all ages ( ie Fridays & Saturdays). They have skittles teams, snooker teams, kitchen and BBQ facilities. So called ‘stakeholders’ should come and see and try them.
Perhaps fitness class etc during the week.
Elsewhere on factory site
 
Do not have the music , with the same frequency on Saturday nights in other venues
Daytime activities
On factory site
60
Friendly people. No Trouble. Good facilities. Good prices. Well run. Good entertainment
Good facilities exist
If good access was provided – present site
62
No trouble in club . Family orientated . Good prices and no rip offs.
Darts, skittles, good groups, snooker. Keep fit classes, Short mat bowles
Access is where it is now. Easy Parking, Easy walking distance
16
Cosy, welcoming and clean
 
In the middle of the town – nice place though.
16
Very welcoming and nice staff
Air conditioning
I think it is good where it is
16
Lovely people, great atmosphere, nice stage
More child friendly attributes
Don’t relocate it
20
Live music, great atmosphere and good selection of drinks 
Maybe have a house PA, pool table ?
Somewhere closer t the high street maybe?
60
Large room, friendly atmosphere and good choice of drinks
Food perhaps
 
27
Very welcoming and friendly. Big function room. Live band can be seen for free
 
If somewhere could be found within the Linden Development , it would be ideal for great community spirit
28
Its Great
 
Midosmer Norton High Street
65
Entertainment
Everything possible
Within Norton Radstock area
47
We love the atmosphere of entertainment
Public meeting etc, sports activities, line dancing
Midsomer Norton
17
Great venue, community vibe, excellent
More bands
Norton Hill
31
It is very easy going and nice to bring my children to
More music weekly
Anywhere near where it is now
57
Big area for functions
   
37
I have used Mardons Social Club for over 20 years. During which time I have benefitted from playing for its snooker and skittles teams, enjoyed the excellent evening entertainment, summer BBQs, live sports, friendly atmosphere and great people/characters
Introduction of outside sports teams aimed at younger members (Football/cricket teams)
Elsewhere on the factory site with good access to local community.
63
It’s a great family club with a good mix of younger and older members and guests, with regular live entertainment. 
Very hard to say. The club already extends a warm welcome to non members and makes it self freely available to community use.
Its on the edge of the development – its fine where it is.
32
Various sporting events and social entertainment. Great for all the family, safe and secure
More sports played on large screen and organise teams for football, rugby etc
Safe car parking within walking distance to Midsomer Norton
58
Mardonc club is very special to me because of the family atmosphere , its welcoming for all ages
Function room separate to the facilities would be handy so that it could be hired to bring in extra revenue
Somewhere with easy access, but not in the high street. I’d prefer it to stay within the site
55
Serves local people, always welcoming
Local groups, mums toddlers etc OAP groups etc
On site
62
Easy going friendly nature, snooker tables
Could have kiddies play school/creche
Elsewhere on factory site
15
Good venue. Comfy and welcoming. Good for mix of people
More events
Keep it here
16
It has lovely atmosphere and good acoustics
 
Closer to the main road
18
Good space
Pool/football table
 
16
Family friendly. Family atmosphere for all ages. Welcoming staff
Air conditioning
High Street
58
Friendly atmosphere, football on the big screen, reasonably priced drinks compared to pubs.
It's convenient where it is for the residents of Midsomer Norton and Westfield.
12
I love it.
I love it.
I love it.
22
The heart of Mardons Carnival Club and the base of the carnival club.
A large function room available for public hire.
On the factory site.
43
Local, family friendly, cheap, welcoming. Free room hire for parties, groups and committees.
Advertise more.
Rebuild on the same site.
21
Carnival meetings, party etc. friendly, local, cheap, welcoming, large room to hire.
Advertise more, more parties
Rebuild it on the same site.
18
Good meeting place, we come here for the carnival club.
Better advertisment
Midsomer Norton High Street.
48
To me it helps run the Mardons Carnival Club, which runs out of the club house. This wouldn't be the same if it was in another club or pub.
Advertise wher the club is.
On the factory site.
18
Friendly atmosphere.
Better advertised.
Highstreet.
23
Friendly atmosphere, where we hold our carnival meetings, good for the community
I don't think it needs any but I do think it needs to be advertised better, not enough people know its here.
Again it doesn't need to be relocated , just advertise more.
14
I love it, please don't close it down.
   
21
It's value for money, somewhere different - part of the community.
Do not need to be, its part of the community.
High Street would be good, but on the site is preferred.
68
It is family friendly. There is never any trouble and the staff are dedicated and friendly.
I run a brass and wind band and this venue is very suitable for band practices
I do not see any need to re site, the club should be kept open where it is.
12
Its very local and loads of my friends and family go here and I have been going since birth.
Kids play
Stay where it is, because I love the location.
27

I have 2 young children, where else in the area could I watch sport and music with children in a safe atmosphere? ...nowhere!

None, it's perfect as it is.
Definately not in Norton Town Centre - that would be stupid.
16
It's a great place to be, lovely atmosphere, I love coming here with family.
  I like it where it is now! don't move it.
34  
A daytime tea room - serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc + cold snacks (crisps & sandwiches) (as kitchen can't be used) to all public , parents dropping off or picking up from school.
 
49
Friendly, family orientated.
Nursery, pensioners club.
Leave it where it is.
SOME FEEDBACK FROM OUR WEBSITE
We're not members but often go along on Boxing day or special events. It's a nice family club which I think should stay within the same area.
It would be a great shame to see this club close. The Midsomer Norton & District Carnival Association has used this club on many occasions and I understand that it is presently used as a base for a local Carnival Club.
The place is great and we use it regular to watch bands the hub of a community.
We use the club on a regular basis because we can take our children, the band nights are great, this is a part of our social life. This last football season the club has been used by under 10s Westfield familys because its a family club. I have many a family celebration at the club. any major sporting event there is no better place to watch the events
Firstly the club is convenient to where I live and therefore avoids need for driving. Additionally, it has retained its family friendly approach whilst expanding its role within the community. i.e Showcase nights, free hall hire etc. It is well managed by a dedicated committee that works hard to provide a local social/facility outlet in a predominantly residential area. Other services/facilities that could be considered: Corporate hire (staff seminars). More private hire - particularly during Xmas period. Business Promotion Facility . The club should stay on the factory site!
Not a member, good club to play as a musician Consider Food and possible merger with Westhill club
AS AN EX-EMPLOYEE OF MARDONS AND CLUB MEMBERS FOR THE LAST 13 YEARS+ WE FEEL THAT THE SOCIAL CLUB HAS GREAT SOCIAL BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY. OVER THE YEARS IT HAS PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION FOR BIRTHDAY PARTYS,WEDDING RECEPTIONS, CHRISTENINGS,CHRISTMAS PARTYS, EVEN WAKES FOR FUNERALS.IT IS SOCIALY A MEETING PLACE FOR PENSIONERS.MONEY RAISED FOR CHARITIES HAS BEEN ONE OF THE CLUBS FORERUNNERS.....AS A SPORTS VENUE,SKITTLES, DARTS, SNOOKER, IT HAS BEEN INVALUBLE FOR THE YOUNG AND OLD.....ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGES HAS SEEN SOME OF THE BEST GROUPS IN
Mardons is the only club in the local area that offers a family friendly atmosphere with a wide variety of weekend entertainment. Also Mardons is the only club that offers a weekly showcase evening for bands to perform to the general public. Expand the entertainment to include comedy acts. If Mardons was relocated then it would need to keep sufficient parking and level access. The existing location is fine, moving towards the town centre would increase it's accessability.
We are not members of the club, but have been there when our son has played a 'gig' with his band. It is a very friendly club, and I would certainly consider it as a venue for events which we would like to host in the future. We know it tries to encourage local talent to perform there, which is a benefit to everyone in the community. I don't know where it could be relocated to - perhaps closer to the town centre would attract people from all sides of Midsomer Norton?
Live music facilities, space and cheaper prices. Midsomer Norton High St would sound like the best option for all round accessibility.
The appeal of the social club was that it was a free venue that as a local sports clubs we could use for fundraising activities. It doesn't necessarily need to be relocated as the location is one if its attractions.
I am not a member but would join if it helped to keep the club open as i use it often. The club helps all ages from young to old with its family appeal. There are two very young boys both with cerebral palsey that have had life changing operations in America that would not have been possible without Mardons social club and its kind members. The club puts on decent entertainment weekly for its members and the local area which no other clubs do and has done for years. I think the new regime could virtually do a good public relation job for themselves in promoting a family club with popular music, sports on the big screen Christmas parties family party/ocassions etc exactly what the club has been doing for years the location if changed should be very much up for discussion if not on the factory site is there any land left on the Westfield trading estate.
I play for one of the Snooker Teams based at Mardons Social Club, who take part in the local Radstock & District Snooker & Billiards League. I also use the club frequently to watch sports, socialise with friends etc. More familiy days, summer BBQ's etc. Somewhere on the factory site or within the very near area (eg. land next to Alcan).
The club is a place where you can spend an evening with the whole family. Some sort of keep fit classes or training for majorettes etc. It is an ideal place where it is especially if there are going to be more houses built.
Not a member but a past and hopefully future entertainer There is no other club within a 20 mile radius that is as well managed and has such a unique appeal to all ages. the atmosphere and ambience are welcoming and beneficial to all who attend. Promote more use for weddings, christenings, anniversaries party's. Take over Prattens club. They really have lost the plot.
Very friendly atmosphere, nice people, good entertainment, reasonably priced drinks, good size venue, big tv for watching sports, cheap membership. I think it offers a lot already, skittles, darts, snooker, a place where new bands can practice. The factory site would be a good idea, but somewhere in the local area. What about the Palladium premises or is that already taken ? How about where the Bearbury club is/was. ?
I live in Bristol and have been a visitor to the club over the past 8 years as part of an entertainment group called The Night Hours. Mardons is one of the better live entertainment venues in the Bath area and amongst the bands we know it is one of the best receptive audiences on the circuit. A good sized room, an appreciative audience and a place to entertain is vitally important if the live music scene is to thrive, and Mardons has always been a favourite. We should not allow a group of housing developers dictate the needs of a community; they will not live there and neither will their 'stakeholders`, so fight on, tell them what they can do with their profit-based ideas and leave the club alone
Friendly and welcoming, There's not a lot of choice in that area with regards to other clubs. My view is the club has always been considered as being attached to the factory for it's workers, better public awareness in the local community would go a long way. Nearer the road on the same site.
I am currently a of the member of Alcan Social Club, and for the last few years have regularly played in the local Skittles and Snooker Leagues at the Club. I have also enjoyed the great atmosphere, watching live Football and Rugby on the big screen there. The prices at the bar and all other activities are excellent. The hall could be used / hired for other facilities such as Quiz Nights, Local Bands and private functions. Both elsewhere on the site or maybe one of the local Midsomer Norton and surrounding trading estates would be suitable for relocation.
As a Mardon Ex employee we use the club for our monthly Pensioners Meetings. We have a ladies skittles team in the Radstock and District Skittles League. If a new club was built and an indoor lawn bowling green installed, this could be used by a lot of different aged people as the nearest one is at Paulton and a lot of people would enjoy a venue neaer to MSN and Radstock. The one at Fosseway Golf Club closed down with a lot of disappointed members. I think the factory site would be an ideal location.
This Club provides an essential social focus for the area and facilities for the surrounding community. It would be crass to close this as the new housing would appreciate a @walk-to@ facility. This combined with the continuing closures of clubs/pubs in the locale would be a major blow to the ongoing community and restrict long established games such as Snooker/Billiards & Skittles. This decision is driven by economics which are somewhat skewed inasmuch that with additional chimney-pots around the club it could become a thriving establishment.
Not a member although Ive been there a few times, I can take the kids there with no hassles,
Mardons club is a major part of our local community. It is a place where anybody can go and is always welcome. Any developer who believes this area should just be developed and rip out the heart of the community really has no idea about living in this area. The centre of Midsomer Norton already gets the lion's share of any investment. Why should the people of Westfield (which after all is where the old Alcan site is) lose their local facilities just to make Midsomer Norton councilors look better? The club should remain and be used as a community centre in the day where various community groups could meet.
WAKE UP LINDEN HOMES AND GIVE SOMETHING BACK - YOU WILL MAKE ENOUGH MONEY OUT OF OUR COMMUNITY - ITS ABOUT TIME YOU AGREED TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK
Mardons social club has always been a great part of the local community, myself and parents have been using it for over 25 years, it is used for skittles, presentation, i held my wedding reception here and have always used it as it is local to my house. It is a friendly club and i can take my children if need be and know they are safe, other clubs and pubs in the area are not as useful and close by as Mardons. To be used in a wider community they have started to put groups on a Friday night and with new houses on site it would be ideal for families and it is now used as a skittles and billiards/snooker club, it could bring in a lot more sports and indoor games for teenagers and adults to be involved in. If the club had to be relocated i do not think Norton High Street would be a good idea, it needs to be close to the community not far from where it is now,
Great for social gatherings - large area, cheap beer . Merge with Prattons Club (both would benefit) !!
Clubs of this type are becoming all too rare with many high street establishments (i.e. in MSN) mainly catering for younger people (who spend lots of money drinking of course) or providing food etc with very little other long established local pastimes catered for. Venues which cater for people who enjoy local sports (snooker/billiards/darts/skittles etc) and excellent weekend entertainment are few and far between so we can ill afford to lose another. Mardons has a large catchment area within walking distance so people can have a drink locally without having to drive. I personally live in Haydon but happily travel to Mardons as it has the facilities and atmosphere which appeals to me. I am 60 and have been using this club for many, many years. I see no reason why the club cannot be relocated in its present form possibly still on the factory site
As Chairman of Paulton & District Skittle League I feel it is very important to keep Mardons club open. Skittles is social event with over 1000 people playing every week in our league alone not to mention other leagues. Mardons have 4 teams in the league and have been playing for 30years plus. We hold a well attended meeting at the club and are always warmly welcomed, It is very popular for dances and social events. I think it would be a travesty to close this club and I would fully support the committee in opposing this action.
By way of an endorsement for the club, what I would say is that I think the Mardon's Social club fulfils a really important requirement within the are by being a facility that provides a venue for local bands to launch and showcase themselves to the local community. Whilst this may be possible for adult bands elsewhere in Midsomer Norton, the ability to offer this to youngsters in a safe and managed environment is both fantastic and a real incentive for kids to get involved in music.
I'm not a member of the Social Club but got in contact earlier this year after seeing an ad in the Journal for free room hire. This offer is practically impossible to compete with and for people in my age group (often looking for an event venue on a small budget) it's of huge appeal. The venue was of huge importance to me as I was hosting a charity Curry Night with a friend which preceded our Gap Year travels to India. We raised close to £900 and with any other venue, this number could have been drastically smaller based on the cost of room hire. For that reason, I think Mardon's could be at the forefront of Charity events in the future. For the event itself, I had fantastic help from Jamie who informed me of what the club had to offer regarding music and the big screen etc, and who was open to us having a live band play the event and contributed generously to our raffle. The rest of the staff were equally as helpful on the night. Over 100 people attended and I'm sure all were thrilled with the low alcohol prices! This again is a major yet little known appeal of the social clubs.
I think the newly established music nights, with good exposure, wll bring in more people from my generation as there is a big local band scene in Norton. Wii Nights are also popular in events with a big screen but I've never seen one held locally. The venue's exterior gives the wrong impression of the place itself; it doesn't do the interior justice. And the location is not ideal as it is so far from the road. But if people learn where it is and what it's about, I think it could be even more of an asset to local life, for people of all ages.
Not a member, but I enjoy a number of events which are held at the club including the after carnival party. Its completely different, its not a club, its not a pub, that’s the appeal it’s a place to hold events and get together socially! Change the layout to make the stage area the focal point, at the moment you kind of have two separate areas. Better access and parking. Relocation? Elsewhere on the factory site, it needs to be as close as possible to its existing location to serve its existing members and to keep its identity. A move to the High Street would destroy this and also attract the wrong type of customer therefore loosing the appeal that the club has for me!
SUPPORT FROM FURTHER AFIELD
I'm the Secretary of Boscombe Conservative Club and we here in sunny Boscombe wish you all the best with your fight against closure.
Our club is used by many single and elderly people from this area and is sometimes the only contact they have - the close family unit being a thing of the past. We are not expensive and offer good wholesome meals. We are also a secure environment for single ladies to use - something which in the area we are is not something the 'pubs' offer.
Everyone who uses this club and I'm sure uses your club treats it like an extended family and it would be a shame if you close.

Best wishes
Susan Q - Club Secretary
(Boscombe Conservative Club - website)
We are The Fairfield Working Mens Club in Glasgow. We would like to lend our support to your cause.
Like us, the Club is a valuable social outlet where people can meet and socialise and be entertained on some nights. There is also dancing lessons, ballroom dancing, irish dancing, jiving, majorettes and slimming clubs all use our premises to hold their meetings etc. If this was taken away there would be a lot of people from the local community left without their social life and missing out on learnign to dance etc.
All the local community love our club and would be lost without it. We do not agree on closing clubs around the country and hope, with everyones support your club can stay open.

Wishing you good luck
All at The Fairfield Club.
(The Fairfield Working Mens Club - website)

I'm a committee member at Elland Working Men's Club, near Halifax. The club, as well as many other clubs around the country is the focal point of a large part of the community.
In our case not so much as the youth but for the pensioners, who meet at the club several days & nights every week. Without the club there would be nowhere for them to go and meet and would result in the infrastructure of the social network being destroyed.
We are working on getting younger people into the club and our membership is expanding. Many clubs run youth teams etc and again they are the focal point in the community.
Without clubs to meet at, places for old and young to go we lose that community spirit which has been the foundation of this great country for years.
We need clubs so our locals have somewhere to meet and future generations can be nurtured. It's not about old men sat around playing dominoes any more, its a place all the family can go to meet old and new friends.

Good luck in your battle
Martin Graydon
(Elland Working Men's Club - website)

We have heard of the troubled times that Mardons Social Club is going through at the moment and I am sure you are all finding this very upsetting. I think only those involved in the Social Clubs realise how important they are to the whole community.
Social Clubs provide a safe and secure environment for all ages, they offer activities for all the family to enjoy from the youth football to the seniors snooker. They provide a basis for responsible drinking, teach youngsters how to socialise and promote good behaviour as all those involved in Social Clubs are part of one larger family. Social clubs often provide jobs for people who ordinarily would be overlooked in the workplace and staff are often more reliable and commited to their job because of the family atmosphere which they actively promote.
Times are very hard for the Social Clubs and license trade in general and we hear every day of the number of clubs and pubs that are closing. If you have a viable, busy and profitable club doing well in the current climate then these are the type of clubs we need to save. We here at Locharbriggs Social Club wish you every success in your fight to save your club for its members, users and the wider community.

Good Luck
Nicola Humphreys - Club Secretay
(Locharbriggs & District Social Club - website)

I think it's short-sighted of the developer to assume that social club's are of little benefit to the community.
In the Welsh valleys, club's have an important part to play in the life of the community and our club's facilities are used by various organisations including the local senior citizens, local youth organisations and formerly several football teams used the club as its base.
We allow youngsters of sixteen and over to become "Junior Members" giving them use of the club's facilities and keeping them off the streets.
We have been supported by the local police who realise that it's much better to have people dlnking in a well-run club rather than making a nuisance of themselves in the centre of town.

Good luck.
J R S Griffiths
(Cwmaman Club - website)

I totally agree that social clubs play a great part in the
community.
I would say to your developer that to deprive the community of it's social club would be a disaster and the community would greatly
suffer.
We are lucky in that the members own our club. If our club ever closed it would create a big hole in the community.

Yours faithfully
Sam Leonard - Secretary
(Merthyr Vale & Aberfan Social Democrat Club
& Institute - website)

 

 

 
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