It’s great to be back
CITY SOCIAL CLUB’S DOORS OPEN AGAIN AFTER BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
THE determination of trustees and Government financial support are among the key reasons why one of the city’s oldest social clubs was able to reopen its doors yesterday.
Without the Government’s furlough scheme, The Nottingham Mechanics would have been “lost completely” and chairman Geoff Green added that trustees were committed to keeping the club running.
“Whatever happened we were going to do our utmost to keep The Mechanics going,” said Mr Green, of Gedling.
Mr Green and the rest of the team behind the club in North Sherwood Street were looking forward to the big day yesterday, when people were allowed to visit indoor venues again as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Mr Green, 77, said: “The Mechanics is based on education and on keeping up to date with what is happening in the world. Of course, a lot of members rely on coming for a meal and for a chat and using our library facilities. All that was lost as far as our members are concerned.
“Financially there’s been a loss, with nothing going through the restaurant or bar and hiring out rooms – that has all been stopped. We have had some Government assistance, we have had to furlough all the staff – it’s been a very difficult time.
“Overall I think gradually they will come back. We have tried to keep together to ring people up.”
The club, which has more than 300 members, reopened for a period last year when various safety measures were introduced.
But the North Sherwood Street venue has been closed for months during the third lockdown.
It is known as a meeting place where a variety of activities – such as table tennis and dance sessions – take place. For the time being, certain activities, like choir and dancing, won’t be permitted for health and safety reasons.
Honorary secretary Viv Apple, 84, said: “We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and getting back to normal.
“On Friday we have our first speaker in the series of summer speakers.
“It’s been an uncertain time in the same way as it has for a lot of other businesses.
“But our members are very loyal. We feel confident that most of them will be back again.”