Band info
iNFORMATION FOR BANDS PLAYING AT TROPIC'
If you are appearing at The "Tropic at Ruislip" - here are a few snippets of information you might find handy to know.
First and foremost it is in the club part of Wealdstone Football Club's ground - they only took it over in 2008, prior to that it was the home ground of Ruislip Manor FC (although actually in Ruislip). The venue is called Ruislip Social Club, well it was, but is now (2023) called The Vale Ruislip, but if you get lost and need to ask directions ask for Wealdstone football club.
Locally a lot of people mix up the Rugby Club and the Football club, if you end up at the Rugby Club go down the road opposite it, then first right, first right, first left. Total distance about 500 yards.
TO FIND IT - If you have a Sat Nav use HA4 6JQ
See alternative routes below this section
By Road:
From the M1: Follow Signs for Heathrow Airport on the M25. Come off at Junction 16 onto the A40, come off at The Polish War Memorial junction (stupidly NOT signed to Ruislip for reasons only known to an idiot!) taking the A4180 turning left towards Ruislip, continue on this road (named) West End Road, and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the club/ground is at the end of the road.
From the M25: Follow Take Junction 16 Off M25 onto M40/A40. Then come off at The Polish War Memorial junction (stupidly NOT signed to Ruislip for reasons only known to an idiot!)taking the A4180 turning left towards Ruislip. Continue on this road (called West End Road), and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the club/ground is at the end of the road.
From the M4: Exit at junction 4B, take the M25 Towards Watford, come off at junction 16 and join A40. Leave at The Polish War Memorial junction (stupidly NOT signed to Ruislip for reasons only known to an idiot!) A4180 turning left towards Ruislip. Continue on this road (called West End Road), and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the ground is at the end of the road.
From "London": Unless you know the local roads get on to the A40 towards Oxford and exit at the Polish War Memorial roundabout on to the A4180 turning right towards Ruislip. Continue on this road (called West End Road), and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the club/ground is at the end of the road.
Alternative routes are as follows, if you want to avoid the western stretch of the M25 which can very very busy.:-
From M25 up from Surrey. Exit at Junction 15 and take the M4 towards London, leave M4 at Junction 3 and take A312 towards Hayes/Northolt/Ruislip, this eventually brings you out at the Polish War Memorial Roundabout over the A40. Go straight on on to the A4140 (see above).
From the North, M1, M25 anticlockwise from Essex etc. (If possible come south on the M40, then see above). Leave M25 at J21A and follow signs for M1 SOUTH. Join M1 and leave M1 at Junction 5. It is then just a case of following the signs as follows. Initially Bushey, then quite soon Northwood, then from Northwood, Ruislip. Your Sat Nav will do the trick if you have one as long as to start with if it tries to send you in to Watford you ignore it!!
Common to all routes using A40.
As you come up from the A40 you pass under a large dark railway bridge, through a small parade of shops then round a small double bend. The road then runs straight for around 1/4 mile. At the end of this straight the road turns left around a bend, Grosvenor Vale is on the right on this bend.
LOW EMISSION ZONE: Tropic at Ruislip is INSIDE the LEZ which means larger vans and lorries MUST comply or you risk being fined. See link for details, but in a nutshell if you come in a car(s) you are OK. BUT from 29th August 2023 there is a change afott - see below.
First and foremost it is in the club part of Wealdstone Football Club's ground - they only took it over in 2008, prior to that it was the home ground of Ruislip Manor FC (although actually in Ruislip). The venue is called Ruislip Social Club, well it was, but is now (2023) called The Vale Ruislip, but if you get lost and need to ask directions ask for Wealdstone football club.
Locally a lot of people mix up the Rugby Club and the Football club, if you end up at the Rugby Club go down the road opposite it, then first right, first right, first left. Total distance about 500 yards.
TO FIND IT - If you have a Sat Nav use HA4 6JQ
See alternative routes below this section
By Road:
From the M1: Follow Signs for Heathrow Airport on the M25. Come off at Junction 16 onto the A40, come off at The Polish War Memorial junction (stupidly NOT signed to Ruislip for reasons only known to an idiot!) taking the A4180 turning left towards Ruislip, continue on this road (named) West End Road, and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the club/ground is at the end of the road.
From the M25: Follow Take Junction 16 Off M25 onto M40/A40. Then come off at The Polish War Memorial junction (stupidly NOT signed to Ruislip for reasons only known to an idiot!)taking the A4180 turning left towards Ruislip. Continue on this road (called West End Road), and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the club/ground is at the end of the road.
From the M4: Exit at junction 4B, take the M25 Towards Watford, come off at junction 16 and join A40. Leave at The Polish War Memorial junction (stupidly NOT signed to Ruislip for reasons only known to an idiot!) A4180 turning left towards Ruislip. Continue on this road (called West End Road), and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the ground is at the end of the road.
From "London": Unless you know the local roads get on to the A40 towards Oxford and exit at the Polish War Memorial roundabout on to the A4180 turning right towards Ruislip. Continue on this road (called West End Road), and turn right into Grosvenor Vale after approx 1.5 miles, the club/ground is at the end of the road.
Alternative routes are as follows, if you want to avoid the western stretch of the M25 which can very very busy.:-
From M25 up from Surrey. Exit at Junction 15 and take the M4 towards London, leave M4 at Junction 3 and take A312 towards Hayes/Northolt/Ruislip, this eventually brings you out at the Polish War Memorial Roundabout over the A40. Go straight on on to the A4140 (see above).
From the North, M1, M25 anticlockwise from Essex etc. (If possible come south on the M40, then see above). Leave M25 at J21A and follow signs for M1 SOUTH. Join M1 and leave M1 at Junction 5. It is then just a case of following the signs as follows. Initially Bushey, then quite soon Northwood, then from Northwood, Ruislip. Your Sat Nav will do the trick if you have one as long as to start with if it tries to send you in to Watford you ignore it!!
Common to all routes using A40.
As you come up from the A40 you pass under a large dark railway bridge, through a small parade of shops then round a small double bend. The road then runs straight for around 1/4 mile. At the end of this straight the road turns left around a bend, Grosvenor Vale is on the right on this bend.
LOW EMISSION ZONE: Tropic at Ruislip is INSIDE the LEZ which means larger vans and lorries MUST comply or you risk being fined. See link for details, but in a nutshell if you come in a car(s) you are OK. BUT from 29th August 2023 there is a change afott - see below.
ULEZ Zone
With effect from 29th August 2023 the venue will fall under the London ULEZ Zone
Please read https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone for more information
LINKING TO US - VERY IMPORTANT
Please note our name is The "Tropic At Ruislip".
We are NOT Tropical, Tropica, Tropics, Tropicana, Tropic@Ruislip, Tropic', The Tropic or any other way you want to phrase it.
Please do NOT us the @ symbol in our name on your listings.
On any flyers, web links etc. please use our full correct name,
Tropic At Ruislip
Please note our name is The "Tropic At Ruislip".
We are NOT Tropical, Tropica, Tropics, Tropicana, Tropic@Ruislip, Tropic', The Tropic or any other way you want to phrase it.
Please do NOT us the @ symbol in our name on your listings.
On any flyers, web links etc. please use our full correct name,
Tropic At Ruislip
Thanks
By doing it this way it means that anyone looking for us on the web has a better chance of finding it.
By doing it this way it means that anyone looking for us on the web has a better chance of finding it.
Entry to the building
Along the left hand side of the building there is a "road" which leads to doors that access directly in to the main music room. It is suggested that on arrival you first go in via the main front door and ask for the side door to be opened for you if you need it opening to bring in your equipment. You can leave your vehicles parked in a line up there if you wish, but must NOT leave them after unloading so they block access to the top of the road.
You can park on the grass to the right of the road, but better is the hard standing 20 yards forward and right. Load in is easy and more or less level.
Access Hours - VERY IMPORTANT FRIDAYS ONLY
Normal remit it the PA gets set up at about 2.30 each Friday, takes about an hour.
Band start time is usually 9.30pm with doors at 8.30, so arriving at 6.00/6.30 smart is suggested. Please note if you arrive early and decide to leave your gear and go off for a bite to eat (say) then all items are left at your own risk (there are staff around....).
Doors to the music room open to attendees at 8.30 normally, but if sound-check is running late it usually not a big problem to hold off to 8.45pm.
"Tropic" staff start arriving about 6.00 and the sound engineer normally gets in at 7.00.
Along the left hand side of the building there is a "road" which leads to doors that access directly in to the main music room. It is suggested that on arrival you first go in via the main front door and ask for the side door to be opened for you if you need it opening to bring in your equipment. You can leave your vehicles parked in a line up there if you wish, but must NOT leave them after unloading so they block access to the top of the road.
You can park on the grass to the right of the road, but better is the hard standing 20 yards forward and right. Load in is easy and more or less level.
Access Hours - VERY IMPORTANT FRIDAYS ONLY
Normal remit it the PA gets set up at about 2.30 each Friday, takes about an hour.
Band start time is usually 9.30pm with doors at 8.30, so arriving at 6.00/6.30 smart is suggested. Please note if you arrive early and decide to leave your gear and go off for a bite to eat (say) then all items are left at your own risk (there are staff around....).
Doors to the music room open to attendees at 8.30 normally, but if sound-check is running late it usually not a big problem to hold off to 8.45pm.
"Tropic" staff start arriving about 6.00 and the sound engineer normally gets in at 7.00.
Access Hours - VERY IMPORTANT SUNDAYS ONLY
Access from 6pm possible, earlier if required should not be a problem. Doors to music room are at 7.30 and band on stage at 8.15 approximately and finish say 10.30, but can go to 11.00. If you are appearing on a Sunday best to just check in a few days before and I will check if the venue will be open during the day as sometimes they remain closed until the evening, but then somebody would be drafted in to let you in.
The Stage - and the stage extension.
The stage has three extension sections that go on the front of it. Generally they are left out, but if they are not there they will be in the dressing room, if this is locked ask the staff for the key.
THE SECTION MARKED MIDDLE UNDERNEATH MUST GO IN THE MIDDLE(!)
There are power points both sides of the stage, ask if you are unable to work them out. There are hooks at the rear for a banner, so if you have a banner it is suggested you put a length of string between any hooks and hang it on them.
Projector and screen.
Some bands like to show moving images. As far as we are aware the venue do not own such equipment, although there is a projection style TV in the ceiling over the stage. You can hook your equipment in to it if you wish but the screen will block off half the band on the stage!!You are welcome to bring your own, but check out the stage dimensions!! The projector has a "VGA" input and composite video via a phono socket. It may have other inputs, ask.
Lights
Generally we will have a full light show for you looked after by one of the "crew". We also have as well as the lights a laser and (optional) smoke machine.
PA set up
If you are bringing your own PA it is very important that if your sound man has a mixing desk he sets up in one of two places ONLY. Either to the left of the stage OR if it is to be towards the back of the room it should go in the back RIGHT HAND SIDE (as you look at the stage) there MUST be a gap left from the mixing desk about one table's length to the main entrance door in order that we can set up there to collect money!!!!! There is no power to the left hand side. A multi-core can be run down the side of the room and there is power near the fire exit. Ask the staff at the venue where in normally goes and they will advise. Load in is level.
Dressing room
There is a room to the right of the stage which will serve as a dressing room. Whilst it is not large it has a mirror in it, a few chairs and a large "table". There are (your own) toilets just off it down the corridor. The door is usually bolted, just through the door by your feet is a water stop valve, open this if the water is turned off to the loos.
This whole area is for your exclusive use for the evening, so whilst the dressing room itself is not large if you store belongings, guitar cases etc down the corridor to the toilets it will give you more space in the actual room. There is a power point in the corridor and another in the dressing room - sadly neither work!
Please do NOT open the external doors from this area while you are using it. We do have a "deluxe" smoking area just off the music room which can be used pre-gig. If you want a key to the external doors this can be arranged.
All items left there are left at your own risk. If it is a bit cold in there ask and a fan heater can be provided. There is ONE power point in the dressing room but as at September 2021 the damm thing seems to have packed up so the nearest power is off the stage. A repair is on the list...but this means very little!
YOU MUST NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SMOKE IN THE DRESSING ROOM OR CORRIDORS
Please note that during the gig staff (or anyone for that matter!) may well enter the dressing room and they cannot be locked so please do not leave cash/valuables lying around. We have NEVER had a problem but........
Stage
The stage dimensions are shown below
Access from 6pm possible, earlier if required should not be a problem. Doors to music room are at 7.30 and band on stage at 8.15 approximately and finish say 10.30, but can go to 11.00. If you are appearing on a Sunday best to just check in a few days before and I will check if the venue will be open during the day as sometimes they remain closed until the evening, but then somebody would be drafted in to let you in.
The Stage - and the stage extension.
The stage has three extension sections that go on the front of it. Generally they are left out, but if they are not there they will be in the dressing room, if this is locked ask the staff for the key.
THE SECTION MARKED MIDDLE UNDERNEATH MUST GO IN THE MIDDLE(!)
There are power points both sides of the stage, ask if you are unable to work them out. There are hooks at the rear for a banner, so if you have a banner it is suggested you put a length of string between any hooks and hang it on them.
Projector and screen.
Some bands like to show moving images. As far as we are aware the venue do not own such equipment, although there is a projection style TV in the ceiling over the stage. You can hook your equipment in to it if you wish but the screen will block off half the band on the stage!!You are welcome to bring your own, but check out the stage dimensions!! The projector has a "VGA" input and composite video via a phono socket. It may have other inputs, ask.
Lights
Generally we will have a full light show for you looked after by one of the "crew". We also have as well as the lights a laser and (optional) smoke machine.
PA set up
If you are bringing your own PA it is very important that if your sound man has a mixing desk he sets up in one of two places ONLY. Either to the left of the stage OR if it is to be towards the back of the room it should go in the back RIGHT HAND SIDE (as you look at the stage) there MUST be a gap left from the mixing desk about one table's length to the main entrance door in order that we can set up there to collect money!!!!! There is no power to the left hand side. A multi-core can be run down the side of the room and there is power near the fire exit. Ask the staff at the venue where in normally goes and they will advise. Load in is level.
Dressing room
There is a room to the right of the stage which will serve as a dressing room. Whilst it is not large it has a mirror in it, a few chairs and a large "table". There are (your own) toilets just off it down the corridor. The door is usually bolted, just through the door by your feet is a water stop valve, open this if the water is turned off to the loos.
This whole area is for your exclusive use for the evening, so whilst the dressing room itself is not large if you store belongings, guitar cases etc down the corridor to the toilets it will give you more space in the actual room. There is a power point in the corridor and another in the dressing room - sadly neither work!
Please do NOT open the external doors from this area while you are using it. We do have a "deluxe" smoking area just off the music room which can be used pre-gig. If you want a key to the external doors this can be arranged.
All items left there are left at your own risk. If it is a bit cold in there ask and a fan heater can be provided. There is ONE power point in the dressing room but as at September 2021 the damm thing seems to have packed up so the nearest power is off the stage. A repair is on the list...but this means very little!
YOU MUST NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SMOKE IN THE DRESSING ROOM OR CORRIDORS
Please note that during the gig staff (or anyone for that matter!) may well enter the dressing room and they cannot be locked so please do not leave cash/valuables lying around. We have NEVER had a problem but........
Stage
The stage dimensions are shown below
Setting Down
The staff at the venue are brilliant and whilst I am sure they all have homes to go to there never seems to be an undue rush to leave. We like to start at 9.30 and finish for around 11.45. If these timings do not work for your set please let us know NOW, if nothing else just before midnight take a "pause" between tracks where they will probably ring last bell. Music must finish at midnight, in case the man from the council turns up (again).....
and you should aim be set down and out of the venue by 1.30am
The staff at the venue are brilliant and whilst I am sure they all have homes to go to there never seems to be an undue rush to leave. We like to start at 9.30 and finish for around 11.45. If these timings do not work for your set please let us know NOW, if nothing else just before midnight take a "pause" between tracks where they will probably ring last bell. Music must finish at midnight, in case the man from the council turns up (again).....
and you should aim be set down and out of the venue by 1.30am
RIDERS
As I live in Devon and come up by train band riders are really not practical so not provided. You are, of course, welcome to bring in anything to eat or drink yourself and can keep it in the dressing room. I do normally provide some bottled water at "room" temperature.
BAR
There are two bars in the main building. There should be real ale. If you arrive early and want tea/coffee they will make it for you at the bar, but they would normally make a charge which you will be asked to cover.
THE BAR SHUTS AT MIDNIGHT FOR EVERYONE including the bands
BUT if you want to have a drink to have AFTER your show all you need to do is order it, and pay for it, either before you go on, or in any interval in your set. They shut promptly to all as they are not very good at kicking out (which is a good thing) but if people (you) are seen ordering and getting drinks after it has "closed" then all and sundry think they can get drinks as well, so with this in mind no money can go over the bar after midnight for ANYONE.
Posters etc.
DO NOT SEND ANY POSTERS OR FLYERS WITHOUT ASKING US FIRST
DO NOT SEND THEM TO THE VENUE
WE CAN ONLY USE A3 POSTERS AND WE PREFER IT IF YOU SEND THE ARTWORK BY E-MAIL AND WE PRINT OUR OWN
IF YOU PRODUCE FLYERS WE WILL GIVE YOU AN ADDRESS TO SEND THEM TO ON REQUEST.
BAR
There are two bars in the main building. There should be real ale. If you arrive early and want tea/coffee they will make it for you at the bar, but they would normally make a charge which you will be asked to cover.
THE BAR SHUTS AT MIDNIGHT FOR EVERYONE including the bands
BUT if you want to have a drink to have AFTER your show all you need to do is order it, and pay for it, either before you go on, or in any interval in your set. They shut promptly to all as they are not very good at kicking out (which is a good thing) but if people (you) are seen ordering and getting drinks after it has "closed" then all and sundry think they can get drinks as well, so with this in mind no money can go over the bar after midnight for ANYONE.
Posters etc.
DO NOT SEND ANY POSTERS OR FLYERS WITHOUT ASKING US FIRST
DO NOT SEND THEM TO THE VENUE
WE CAN ONLY USE A3 POSTERS AND WE PREFER IT IF YOU SEND THE ARTWORK BY E-MAIL AND WE PRINT OUR OWN
IF YOU PRODUCE FLYERS WE WILL GIVE YOU AN ADDRESS TO SEND THEM TO ON REQUEST.
Food - pre gig
If you want a bite to eat the best option is to drive to Ruislip MANOR.
(It is suggested that whilst you may (now) know the way back to the shops where the dark railway bridge is, in Ruislip Gardens, as you could have passed under on the way to the venue you do not, the choice is limited and the pub is.........)
So Ruislip Manor: - Exit the car park and after 20 yards turn right. After 100 yards you will come to a T-Junction where you should turn right again. Stay on this road for about 1/2 mile and you will come to a crossroads where you will have to give way. This is Ruislip Manor.
Go straight ahead at the crossroads and then first LEFT in to the car park (unless you have a van too height to go under the height restriction). This is a pay and display car park. ALWAYS PAY IF YOU HAVE TO, the traffic wardens are like vultures. Parking MAY be free after 6pm in the car park. Read the signs and pay as required. Do NOT park on the street yellow lines, loads of people do and always get a ticket.
Now, returning to the High Street, if you go right towards the railway bridge just under it is a Wetherspoons Pub, J J Moons (The old drinking hole of Scouting for Girls) offering beer and food at good prices. It can get very busy!
Again right as you return to the main road from the car park and on the opposite side of the road to it is Summer China, a Chinese take away offering, I am told, miniscule portions.
Returning to the main road from the car park and turning left, on the opposite side of the road is Master Chef offering good "English" food (and this place is highly recommended).
If you want a bite to eat the best option is to drive to Ruislip MANOR.
(It is suggested that whilst you may (now) know the way back to the shops where the dark railway bridge is, in Ruislip Gardens, as you could have passed under on the way to the venue you do not, the choice is limited and the pub is.........)
So Ruislip Manor: - Exit the car park and after 20 yards turn right. After 100 yards you will come to a T-Junction where you should turn right again. Stay on this road for about 1/2 mile and you will come to a crossroads where you will have to give way. This is Ruislip Manor.
Go straight ahead at the crossroads and then first LEFT in to the car park (unless you have a van too height to go under the height restriction). This is a pay and display car park. ALWAYS PAY IF YOU HAVE TO, the traffic wardens are like vultures. Parking MAY be free after 6pm in the car park. Read the signs and pay as required. Do NOT park on the street yellow lines, loads of people do and always get a ticket.
Now, returning to the High Street, if you go right towards the railway bridge just under it is a Wetherspoons Pub, J J Moons (The old drinking hole of Scouting for Girls) offering beer and food at good prices. It can get very busy!
Again right as you return to the main road from the car park and on the opposite side of the road to it is Summer China, a Chinese take away offering, I am told, miniscule portions.
Returning to the main road from the car park and turning left, on the opposite side of the road is Master Chef offering good "English" food (and this place is highly recommended).
If you turn left away from the railway bridge there is an Indian Restaurant on the left called Spice which I am advised is very good - this is almost opposite Master Chef.
If you elect to go to Ruislip (as opposed to Ruislip Manor) the street parking is totally confusing and as such using the car parks there is also suggested. It is a slightly shorter walk to Ruislip itself and there is a MacDonald's up on the left, about a 12 min walk from the venue. Ruislip Manor is about a 15 minute walk. Do not try to drive to Ruislip, by the time you have found a parking space and walked from the car park to the shops you may as well have walked there in the first place!
It is suggested that if you drive to Ruislip (as opposed to Ruislip Manor) and park on the road you will get a ticket - everyone does, it is totally confusing. Use the car parks.
FOOD - post gig
Everything in Ruislip shuts at midnight, the only place to grab a bite to eat late in the night is McDonalds 24hr at the Target Roundabout Northolt on the A40, about 2.5 miles away. Leave the venue, straight on at the crossroads, then left at the top of the road. Straight on 2 miles, turn left on to the A40 towards London at the roundabout, stay in the left hand lane and come off again at the first exit, you will see the McDonalds to your right on the roundabout (McDonalds was once The Target pub, hence the name of the roundabout).
You might find the kebab shop in Ruislip Gardens open up to about 1 a.m., which is basically in the same direction as McDonalds (above) but only about 1/2 mile down the road and well before the A40
If you elect to go to Ruislip (as opposed to Ruislip Manor) the street parking is totally confusing and as such using the car parks there is also suggested. It is a slightly shorter walk to Ruislip itself and there is a MacDonald's up on the left, about a 12 min walk from the venue. Ruislip Manor is about a 15 minute walk. Do not try to drive to Ruislip, by the time you have found a parking space and walked from the car park to the shops you may as well have walked there in the first place!
It is suggested that if you drive to Ruislip (as opposed to Ruislip Manor) and park on the road you will get a ticket - everyone does, it is totally confusing. Use the car parks.
FOOD - post gig
Everything in Ruislip shuts at midnight, the only place to grab a bite to eat late in the night is McDonalds 24hr at the Target Roundabout Northolt on the A40, about 2.5 miles away. Leave the venue, straight on at the crossroads, then left at the top of the road. Straight on 2 miles, turn left on to the A40 towards London at the roundabout, stay in the left hand lane and come off again at the first exit, you will see the McDonalds to your right on the roundabout (McDonalds was once The Target pub, hence the name of the roundabout).
You might find the kebab shop in Ruislip Gardens open up to about 1 a.m., which is basically in the same direction as McDonalds (above) but only about 1/2 mile down the road and well before the A40