Any information can be placed in the sidebar to help your website visitors navigate your site.GIHSC Social Events Review 2010-1011 Season
After a year as the Social Secretary for the GIHSC, I thought I'd write a review of events held and hopefully give you an idea of things to come for next season. New membership enquiries for the supporters club are looking healthy and we hope that this means an even greater interest in our social events.
CURRY NIGHT
After a well-attended pre-season ‘Meet the Players' event back in August, the first official social event for the GIHSC was the ‘Flaming Hot Curry Night' – on 18 October.
Fortunately we'd been able to book the entire Merrow Dynasty restaurant, just a short drive from the Spectrum, so this ‘private party' had a terrific atmosphere and was a complete sell-out. Players and fans mixed over pre-dinner drinks then a seating plan ensured everyone had a player or two at their table. As the evening progressed we had a raffle for some vintage Flames jerseys and after the meal, three previous captains plus the current captain, treated us to an entertaining Q & A session, hosted by GIHSC Chairman, Phil Boyle.
An excellent night and as it turned out, it was the most successful of the season. I had some superb feedback from supporters and players and we'll definitely be holding another Curry Night next season. Be sure to register your interest by sending me an email social@gihsc.org
QUIZ NIGHT
Held at the nearby Corporation Club on 6 th December, the ridiculously low bar prices proved attractive for all those who attended – another sell-out event. I'm not sure if it was the questions that were too difficult or the amount of alcohol consumed by some that meant people struggled with the quiz but it was nevertheless an enjoyable night. A tasty portion of fish ‘n' chips interrupted proceedings then the folks on the winning table, headed by Captain Longstaff, were treated with goodie bags of Flames merchandise. We'll be back at the Corporation Club later this year...
ITALIAN NIGHT
Due to the popularity of the Curry Night, another ‘meal' event was booked for 7th March – in hindsight a little too close to the end of season Player Awards which meant it wasn't a sell-out. At the request of several players, a central Guildford venue was chosen – Zizzi. Because this wasn't booked as a private event our plans to hold a ‘Mr & Mrs' type of player quiz were somewhat hampered – Monday nights are generally quiet at Zizzi but on our chosen evening it proved quite busy as far as members of the public were concerned so we decided not to subject them to the quiz. We did however subject them to a rendition of Happy Birthday for one rather embarrassed Mr Liddiard! But fear not, our Chairman Phil is keeping his questions for an event at the Corporation Club later next season! The food was excellent but by not having a seating plan (as preferred by the restaurant so they could essentially serve each table as it filled up), groups of players tended to stick together rather than mingle – so from now on, seating plans are a must!
HALLOWEEN
We had a little competition for kids to dress up for Halloween, choosing the four spookiest to head out onto the ice post-game to pick up a signed puck and have their photograph taken with David Longstaff. Surprisingly a few adults made a sterling effort to dress up too so we're hoping this is an event that will grow over seasons to come.
NEXT SEASON
The first official event for the GIHSC, after the ‘Meet the Players' afternoon in September, will be on 10th October at the Corporation Club. Make sure you bring some extra change with you as we'll be hosting a RACE NIGHT with video-wall footage for you to bet on – hopefully we'll raise funds for the supporters club and some lucky punters will head home with winnings! We'll have fish ‘n' chips afterwards as that appeared to go down very well on Quiz Night. Early interest in another video-wall presentation means we may also look at a DEAL OR NO DEAL night – don't forget if you have an opinion on that, please feel free to email me.
As mentioned, we'll definitely host another CURRY NIGHT during the season, possibly in December – remember details will be posted on the social page of our website as soon as they are confirmed.
NEW IDEAS
As always, I'm keen to hear ideas for social evenings or other events – we've got fans out there of all shapes, sizes and ages so it would be nice to hold a variety of events. If there is something you'd like to suggest, please email me and I'll see what we can do. One previous suggestion was that we try ice carting evenings, similar to what they hold at Slough but unfortunately the Spectrum owners are understandably, protective of their ice.
Anyway, please come and say hello at the Skate Hire desk during game night intervals and pass on any thoughts you may have regarding possible social events – I don't think I missed a home game last season and am also at quite a number of away games.
Finally, I'd just like to say a big ‘thank you' to everyone who supported the social events we held last season – we couldn't have done it without you!
Jo B.