Five Ways Old Edwardians FC

Dear Members

Following on from the government announcements regarding the re-opening of the hospitality sector last week the Executive Board of Five Ways Old Edwardians Sports Club Ltd would like to communicate some key information regarding the re-opening of bar facilities at Masshouse. 

We would like to start by pointing out that as a club we rely on the income from the bar and the sections rents to ensure we can continue to provide the best facilities for the membership.   With this in mind we have decided that, following discussions with Sue (the licensee) and the executive board that the bar will remain shut for business until the next review date of August 4^th .  This decision was taken as currently it’s not  financially viable for us to open the bar with required staffing levels to ensure the safety of everyone visiting Masshouse .   We assure you this decision was not taken lightly.  Our primary goal was to ensure the financial stability/longevity of FWOE SC Ltd which, at present, is being majorly affected by COVID related issues.  Thus affecting both the sections and executives available funds. 

At present we have no plans to change this date, however if circumstances change we will meet again and make another decision/take appropriate actions.  The clubhouse itself is ready for social distancing and measures have been in place a number of weeks, so if circumstances do change then we will be able to open straight away.  We currently have no plans to open the bar with volunteers from either section as the requirements imposed on the government would be difficult to maintain/comply with.

What this means to members;

• Clubhouse (changing facilities, kitchen, main room, bar area, committee room) will remain closed until the executive board gives the green light to reopen, exception to this is for toilet facilities which will be available for the sections if required.  Please see guidance and speak to your section representative for further requests of access.

Some advise regarding the use of the pitches for social and training purposes whilst the clubhouse is closed

• Please ensure that government guidelines are adhered to impeccably during training and social gatherings after training.
• If the clubhouse is open for toilet facilities, please respect those facilities as a volunteer/employee from the sections or the club will have to clean them after use.
• If the clubhouse, other than the toilets, is open for any reason, please do not enter as there may be activities happening that might jeopardise the safety of yourself and others.
• If you bring any food or drink onto the field for purposes of training or scheduled matches, please ensure that you take the rubbish with you.  We’re not actively encouraging drinking alcohol on the grounds at this time, but if you so wish to bring your own you can.  But remember this in on a trust basis and if found that rules about rubbish are not being adhered to we will restrict this activity.
• No bins will be available on site, the “biffa” bin will remain locked due to controlling the contamination as currently the bins are not being removed by the contractor due to the closed status.
• Please be mindful of other clubs that are around training on the grounds, where possible allow separation and ensure that government guidelines are adhered to at all time.   For information we have a number of tenant clubs that have expressed interest in using the facilities for training, these are as follows, with days/times where possible,

1. Five Ways Cricket – Tuesday (6-8pm)/Thursday (6-8pm)/Friday (All day juniors), Saturday’s (All day, pending league cricket starting on 18^th July), Sunday’s (All day, pending womens cricket commencing 18^th July)
2. Five Ways Rugby – Tuesdays (6.30-9)/Thursday (6.30-9pm)
3. Selly Park Cricket – Wednesday (6.30-8pm)/Saturday (All day, pending league cricket starting on 18^th July)
4. Alvechurch Football Club – Saturday (9-11am), Monday (tbc)/Wednesday (tbc)
5. Keep Fit Group – Tuesday (6-8.30pm)

Last thing is just to thank the sections and the membership for continuing on in these tough times, being able to provide training, where possible, and to continue the activities as such that we are looking to welcome league cricket back to Masshouse on 18^th July.  You are credit to the governing bodies that you represent and hopefully once this all blows over we can welcome you back to Masshouse for some proper celebrations.

If you wish to discuss this with an executive member, please contact James Hamilton on 07528661170