Hi all
Brian, what you are doing is just great, but there must be a cost attached to your CD production. More on costs later.
Richard Saunders, vicar of St. Mary's church in Sheet has been in touch regarding our Thanksgiving Service, asking if we can firm up on few points. 1) Hymns, two are suggested. One would be All Things Bright And Beautiful, can I have a suggestion for another? As hymns are being sung then a organist must be retained. (Cost?). 2) Timing, is to be agreed, as are numbers. I don't want to commit to these yet until I've spoken to the two householders (which to proving difficult as I have had little recent response) and the pub.
Views on catering are sort. Personally, I would like us all to remain together, as a group in a partitioned off section of the restaurant. Makes toasts and communication easier. Options are - 1) A full sit down, pre-paid, pre-ordered lunch. 2) Help yourself buffet, again, pre-paid. 3) DIY, just order and pay for what you want.
Alright, it may be a copout, but I favour option 3, why? Some may have dietary requirements, others like light or heavy lunches. In my case I never like ordering in advance because I don't know what culinary mood I shall be in. Anyway, think of the admin. in getting the monies in, banking, paying the pub etc. Let's keep it simple, Views please.
Expenses. I guess the `gang of 4' are happy to absorb petrol, phone, and similar minor expenses, however, we must consider Brain's CD costs, the organist fee, and/or a donation to the church. Subject to agreement from one of the householders, it is the intention to erect a brass plaque recording the location of West Mark. Again, a cost is involved. So, how do we recover the outgoings? How about, after lunch, requesting a small contribution from everyone?
I shall keep trying to make contact with one of the householders to secure permission to visit and erect this plaque. Then I hope to be in a position to produce a time table and itinerary for approval.
Emails have been sent to ITV & BBC Local News desks, but unsurprisingly, no response. Likewise the Surrey Advertiser has rejected my letter, saying it's an advert and has to be paid for (on yer bike!).
I look forward to your views.
Regards
Mike