L to R - President Dave Smith, Entertainment Secretary Marie Deverill, Chairman Keith Smith and Treasurer Martin Deverill

Having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary as a member of the ACC, St Paul's Conservative Club in Salisbury and its 600-plus members aged 18 to 80 have set their sights on continued success well into the 21st century.

Founded in 1906, the club puts part of its success down to confronting changes in the law and using them to its advantage, according to Secretary Pete Dear.

"In an increasingly competitive marketplace where clubs and pubs are put under additional pressure by changes in regulations, we have had to remain focused to succeed. For example, while the introduction of the Smoking Ban last year understandably concerned all clubs, we saw a long-term benefit in the shape of more families using the facilities on a regular basis. Our smokers have got used to the covered, heated area to the side of the premises and we have seen an increase in trade.

"Also the relaxation of the Gaming laws encouraged us to start regular Casino and Poker Nights where members pay a nominal sum to enter and they get a meal thrown in too.

"Of course, we offer the usual games such as snooker, pool and darts in which we have several thriving teams and numerous board games which the children can enjoy, as well as regular dances, discos, live music and cabarets. But we went one step further to encourage families by building an outdoor adventure playground. After all, if the children are happy, the parents are moreso!

"And all along we have been supported in our efforts over the past 30 years by Scottish & Newcastle UK and most recently by our Area Manager Sarah Pemberton.

"Sarah is always at the end of the phone and visits us regularly. She supplies us with promotional material, product and merchandise to help our functions and club outings go off with a bang and gave us good advice on recommended suppliers when we constructed our smoking area. She also organised and financed the complete refurbishment of our cellar and bar area three years ago when we extended the premises.

"The company's Tech Services team, the draymen and Telesales also deserve some recognition for their prompt, efficient and friendly service.

"We are one of the fortunate clubs in that we rarely need financial support from S&N UK. This means we could choose any of the suppliers who constantly knock on our door. However, with market-leading brands such as Foster's Superchilled, John Smith's, Strongbow and the popular new products like Bulmer's Pear Cider and Jacques Fruit Ciders on the bar coupled with the competitive package, excellent support and service we receive from an enthusiastic Sarah Pemberton and her team, who would change?

"We are now planning for the summer when we hope to hold weekly barbecues in our Foster's-branded beer garden to bring in even more families.

"Like the ACC, I would have no hesitation in recommending S&N UK to other clubs wanting sound professional advice from the industry's leading experts in the sector and we look forward to continuing our successful business relationship with the company."

S&N UK Area Manager Sarah Pemberton says: "The Committee at St Paul's is very forward-thinking in its approach to business and has gone to considerable lengths and expense to ensure it maintains its membership and therefore sales.

"As well as offering members added extras and welcoming our support and advice in doing so, the club has been very enthusiastic about our new products and so far the feedback from members has been very positive.

"With the marketplace being so competitive at present it is a pleasure to work with St Paul's and I am sure we will collaborate on many more initiatives in the future.