East Oxford Social Club Enters the Unknown

I felt I had to respond to Paul's article in a personal capacity (though I'm a member of the social club committee). It reads a bit like a wake for a dying institution, whereas anyone who's attended the club on a Wednesday or a Friday or at any of the special events would definitely not have this impression. The club is in fact currently undergoing a new lease of life, with refurbishment already begun (more volunteers with relevant skills really welcome!). We have applied for an extension to the licensing hours. The club has over twenty years supported East Oxford Community Centre as a whole financially, so its significance is well beyond the immediate benefit to its members. In the current exciting times members of the club have the opportunity to create the kind of club we want for the 21st century. It's always been a very diverse and inclusive place in an increasingly gentrified Cowley Road, where the local community could get reasonably priced drinks and free music nights. We want to carry this on, but better.
What do we want? More and different music nights? Local bands? Internet access? A cafe space during the day for users of the EOCC?
From now until the end of the year, membership of the club is free (it's only £2.50/£1 unwaged a year anyway!) - just sign up at the bar. If you leave an email address, we will inform you of upcoming events. Come down and give your opinions and suggestions for events, decor etc. As a member it's an open space for you to make happen what you would like to see.

I didn't mean it to sound so glum. I did a hurried interview with the two volunteers who were happy to be interviewed and they both seemed to regret that the club was in its poor position but were quite excited about the energy that has flowed in from the community to build it up again. The future does look pretty bright to me from what I have overheard around the community centre lately.

I didn't read Paul's article as negative.

Just to add on from Richard that if anyone is interested in getting involved in the bar there's a meeting on Saturday (13th Aug) at 3pm. There will also be a bit of a tidy and tart up of the bar beforehand too from 12pm as it's currently a tad shabby - again, volunteers more than welcome! :D

And, on a personal note, I helped out with the bar last night. OK it was challenging (especially when the dishwasher ceased to be) and slightly stressful. BUT it was really enjoyable and great to be with enthusiastic people who *want* the bar to succeed as a community venture that involves and belongs to the East Oxford community.

Oh, and the music was amazing (there's just enough room to boogie behind that bar)!

Hope to see some of you on Saturday armed with feather dusters!

Oh and if you can't make it this weekend - but are still interested - drop an email tothe social club committee:  eocsc@somd.net