venue : The Celtic Manor Resort date : Tuesday 17th October 2000 |
The Calverton Miners' Welfare club in Calverton, just outside Nottingham, is next to a disused colliery that closed down finally last year. The club boasts 550 members, 50 up to 1999, and an annual turnover of £250,000. Club Administrator Viv Corcoran wanted to change the image of the club from somewhere locals go for cheap beer, to a social club with a family friendly atmosphere and reputation. She decided hosting a football league over a weekend during the summer would promote the club in the right direction, and have the added bonus of increasing bar takings and attracting new members. The club charged £10 entry per team, and some 900 boys and their parents visited Calverton that weekend, raising £3,000 for the 'Colts' teams.Bar akings were also increased substantially, and press coverage was positive. Calverton attracted sponsorship from Golden Wonder who provided 'Wotsits' for the teams' players. In addition the makers of Lee and Wrangler jeans provided T-shirts and little Velcro wallets, and an American company, Jansport, donated clothing. The St John's Ambulance donated free first aid cover for the whole weekend. |
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Viv Corcoran motivated her staff to such an extent that many of them worked for free, barbeque-ing and generally helping out throughout the weekend. Viv Corcoran commented "We have learned that attitudes towards drinking have altered over the years, and members look closely at facilities and what they as a family can get out of a club. The rewards of this recognition speak for themselves." Viv & Pat Corcoran, Sue & John Daniel, Julie & Colin Hodgson, Noleen & Bob Kinton and Carole & Gerry Nelson received the award which was presented by Des O'Connor at a prestigious dinner held at the Celtic Manor. |
