Location

The Social Club is located at the end of Block 1, by the main entrance to Department for Work & Pensions, Norcross Lane, Norcross FY5 3TA

History

The Club was opened on 5 April 1952, by the then Minister of Pensions, a certain Mr D Heathcote-Amory, with a membership in the region of some 1250. Over the years, the popularity of the Club grew, especially on the football and cricketing sides, because the sports grounds were located right outside the spur. Consequently games could be watched in relative comfort, whatever the weather. In fact, it became most popular with visiting teams, because the bar would be open for them after the game.

We have had many well known acts over the years, Bernard Manning, Frank Carson, Jake Thackery and the Houghton Weavers, to name but a few. As the popularity grew, in the 1980s, the Committee decided that the time had come to extend the Club and under the guidance of the then Chairman, Ron Brierley, with the assistance of Peter McNally, who was Secretary and loans from various Breweries, a purpose built cabaret and function room was born. Appropriately named the Brierley Suite. More of this later.

Social Club Notes August/September

Present Day Facilities

Nowadays the Club has a comfortable lounge area, with flat screen televisions, pool and snooker tables, darts facilities, cards and dominoes. All major sporting events are shown, including pay to view. The bar offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks at competitive prices, as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Opening Hours

As a facility to staff, the bar is open at lunchtimes to all staff on Site, including Contractors, who are not Civil Servants.

Mon -Thur    11.45 - 13.30hrs         19.00 - 23.00hrs

Friday           11.45 - 13.00hrs        16.00- 00.00hrs   

Saturday      17.00 - 00.00hrs

Sunday         12.00 - 22.30hrs   

These opening hours do not necessarily apply on Bank Holidays, but these will be displayed in the Club and on the website.

The Brierley Suite

This purpose built cabaret and function room was opened in 1987 and has proved a popular venue for private parties and events that the club arrange. The room can be booked, by HASSRA, members for birthday parties, wedding receptions and christenings etc., for up to 100 guests. We do not cater for 18th birthday parties, however, other than this, there are few restrictions. Earlier this year it underwent an extensive refurbishment and must now be one of the premier venues of its size in the area. It is also popular with HASSRA Clubs holding events in there. For those clubs who use our facilities on a regular basis they can get the room free of charge, with the Social Club not only helping with prizes for raffles, but £2 per head for members attending, towards the cost of food or entertainment.

There is a charge of £50 for the hire of the room. Under the licensing conditions, there is no restriction on children attending private functions in there, but they are restricted to that part of the Club.

Naturally, the Brierley Suite is in great demand, so if you wish to book the Suite for your function, then you are advised to plan well ahead.

Booking the Brierley Suite

You should check with our Secretary, Lesley McGee on availability. She can be contacted by phone at 63898 or the direct line 01253 333898. Lesley is not full time, so if you cannot get hold of her leave a message and she will get back to you as soon as she can. You can also e-mail her at norcrosssocialclub@btconnect.com Alternatively, you can call in the Club during opening hours, have a word with our Steward, Mark, his assistant, Dave or any of the bar staff who will be happy to show you the facilities we have to offer.

Misc

The Club is a facility for all HASSRA members and their guests. It is a non-profit making organisation, for the benefit of members. All profits made are ploughed back into the Club to make it a safe, comfortable environment to have a drink and socialize.

We, as a Committee are always open to new ideas as to what members would like to see put on in the Club and how we could improve things for you. Please contact Lesley with any ideas you may have.

We look forward to seeing you there soon.