<div>After the threat, of closure and redevelopment of Club 85 in Hitchin, we now have the amazing opportunity to buy the building and save this Iconic Grassroots Music Venue that is otherwise under iminent threat of closure and redevelopment.
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<div>I am starting this Fundraiser as the first step of the journey, to raise the 'Battle Fund' we need to cover Surveyors, Lawyers, Set-up Fees etc, hopefully a working capital for the new company and to help us through the transition.
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<div><strong>THE PLAN</strong>
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<div>We will need to raise a lot of money to buy the premises.
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<div>•	We are setting up a not-for-profit Community Interest Company to purchase and run the venue.
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<div>•	We will be running more crowdfunders and prize draws.
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<div>•	We will be inviting Donations.
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<div>•	We want to run a share sale - giving everyone the opportunity to invest in the future of Club 85.
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<div>•	As a CIC we will also be able to attract grants and match funding from a myriad of funding bodies.
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<div>•	And of course, lots of Fundraising events.
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<div><strong>THE FUTURE</strong>
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<div>There’s so much more we can do to make this Grassroots Music Venue a safe centre of inclusive creativity, when we have the whole building and the income from both the bars.
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<div>•	There will be lots more daytime use of the venue for classes, workshops, exhibitions, as a rehearsal space or for shooting videos.
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<div>•	The downstairs bar will become a quirky music bar/lounge, with sofas, a small stage, piano, congas and chilled alternative music.
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<div>•	There will be disabled toilet facilities on both levels and a lift, as well as events for people with extra needs, like special Sensory Sensitive Events that are quieter with static and soft lighting.
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<div>•	As a CIC we will be able to actively attract funding to bring a diverse programme of performances as well as offering apprenticeships and training for future techs, promoters etc
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<div>•	We want to work with local schools and educational groups to promote music education and awareness throughout the region.
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<div>Most importantly we will be a Beacon of Inclusivity in North Herts.
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<div><strong>THE BACK STORY</strong>
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<div>23 years ago Bob Mardon took on the handshake agreement with Jas Lidder the owner and landlord of Club 85 in Hitchin that gave us control of the function room.
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<div>Since then we have built it into a successful Grassroots Music Venue, with a constant programme of live gigs large and small, local and international, with ...
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<div>•	3000+ shows
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<div>•	At least 10,000 band performances
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<div>•	Which means we’ve provided 40,000+ opportunities for musicians to play on this lovely stage.
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<div>•	Countless careers have started here, as well as the obvious Enter Shikari, James Bay, Don Broco, The Subways and so many more – there are the Sound Techs, Lighting Techs, and Industry Professionals for whom Club 85 has been the first rung of the ladder into a career in the Music Industry.
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<div>•	And of course, there’s all the Friendships and Relationships that have been forged here and have stood the test of time as we built a community around the venue.
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<div>•	Club 85 is immensely important to the local community as a safe welcoming space where performers cut their teeth and audiences see and hear it first.
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<div>So many magical moments have occurred in this glorious barn so far, it’s a very special place.
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<div><strong>THE SMALL PRINT</strong>
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<div>We have set the target to £30,000 as this is how much we need quickly to get the ball rolling.
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<div>Of course we'd love to smash straight through it, so when we hit the target we will leave it open and of course every single penny donated will go towards purchasing the venue and securing it for future generations.
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<div>Many thanks
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<div><strong><em>LO</em></strong>
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<div><strong><em>VE </em></strong> bob ;o))&gt;
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<div>*** Photo credit:
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<div>Enter Shikari at Club 85 on 31st March 2022 as part of the MVT Revive Live Tour.
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<div>Photographer is Peter Alan Gill.
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<div>PS. Here's a link to my announcement rant at Club 85 on Sat 27th July <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNswKYvkwA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNswKYvkwA" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNswKYvkwA</a></a>
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Club 85's Battle Fund

Club 85's Battle Fund

Still £10,210 to go. Help us build momentum.