Monday 23 March 2020 will live in the annals of Deloraine and Australian history. That’s the day that the National Cabinet declared that all pubs, clubs and restaurants had to close to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians.

Tasmania followed suit. Along with the pubs and hotels all other forms of social gathering had to close their doors as well. Overnight, the good folk of the Meander Valley lost the social hubs that many had come to rely on.

With its regular Friday evening get together, the Empire Hotel social club was a place for many Deloraine folk to come together and relax in the company of friends from all walks of life.

According to Russ White, ‘Social club on a Friday night has become a great event, something to look forward to, with friends, meat raffles, membership draws and footy tipping.

‘And of course, there were always Sheridan’s bad jokes and magic tricks as well.’’

The weekly shindig was clearly threatened by the lock-down. Not to be denied their weekly fun, the guys down at the Empire social club simply moved online and added a bit of fantasy.

‘The brains behind the move was Marion Axelsen. She stepped up and created a social club Facebook page and kicked off the Friday night dress-ups,’ said Amanda Flanigan.

‘Friday dress-ups have been great fun. We encourage people to get creative on a Friday night. We love seeing how inspired people can be.’

For those who want to join in, just dress up – whether getting home delivery or take-away. They will have their photo taken and added to the Rogues’ Gallery on the social club Facebook page.

‘Friday dress-ups are a bit of fun for the whole community. You don’t have to be a social club member. We are just trying to add some sparkle to what could otherwise be a dreary time in lock-down’.

To check out what is happening at the Empire, go to either their Facebook page or the social club’s Facebook page.

Just a few of the characters added to the Rogues’ Gallery at the Empire – from top to bottom, Marion, Russ, Kaylee, Russ again and Marion once more.

Photos supplied by the Empire Hotel