John
Sutton
Monday, December 1, 2008 09:46 |
Ideas/support for Sutton Bonfire 2009
I was saddened to read in the newsletter that the Bonfire though wonderful didn't make a profit. As a suggestion why don't local businesses and families sponser the individual fireworks? My kids would be very happy to see their firework in the display, it would make it even more special.
Any body else have any ideas? |
John R
Monday, December 1, 2008 12:01 |
It is a shame that the bonfire event didn't make enought to cover its costs. It is very disappointing that the average donation was only 41p. Quite poor really & makes a mockery of the work of the volanteers & those that did dig deep into their pockets.
Perhaps returning the event back to the Park, now that the perilously hazerdous trees have been removed & permanent avenue lighting installed (what's the point of the lights if events such as this are not to be held there?), may reduce costs, as teas 'n' toilets are already available. I also feel that the Park bonfire was more of a "community" event. Leonard's field, which with the burger vans & porta-loos feels a bit commercial. Just my opinion, for what it's worth. |
jacky dickinson
Sutton
Monday, December 1, 2008 14:02 |
Thank you for your support, John.
Unfortunately there is a real possibility that we will not be able to go ahead with the bonfire next year as not everyone is as generous as you. As you may have read, in spite of some very generous contributions the average donation this year was 41p! It will take a lot of work by the Sutton Village Committee and volunteers to make up a shortfall of going on for £3000. As well as cash, we are desperate for helpers before on and after the day. If more people could give an hour or two of their time, it would make the whole event even better!
Jacky Dickinson,vice-chair, SVC |
mr bilbs
Sutton in Craven
Monday, December 1, 2008 15:33 |
Thats a real shame - I know there is a credit crunch but 41p !!!! Honestly :(
Maybe we could have a suggested donation on the gate? A VIP ticketed area where tickets could be purchased in advance with a better view / facilities included?
What rents are being charged to the concessions are they competative.? We have an events division in our company so if you want to email me any current costs / rents i could see if we can get them cheaper (we use Kim Bolton also) or even suggest some ideas on rents etc?
Mr Webmaster please feel free to forward my email to the committee. |
John
Sutton
Monday, December 1, 2008 15:43 |
So you need help to make up funds before the event?
How about setting up an Ebay shop with donations from our community? |
David Harrison - Young
Monday, December 1, 2008 23:08 |
In response to John R the reason the park is no longer used is that not this year but last year the park failed its risk assessment partly due to the size of the site and its close proximity to a number of local houses. As such we needed to relocate to larger site -hence the 'saving grace' move to Thompsons Field. The Village Committee had lighting provision in the trees prior to their removal, and now even with the lampposts (Which are not suitable for this kind of event) we would still require additional lighting provision for the park IF it had passed its risk assessment.
Although toilets are there in the park - the "tea's" refered to are Parish Council run for upkeep of the Park.
This means they are of NO Benefit to the Bonfire Event as this is staged SOLELY by SUTTON VILLAGE COMMITTEE - therefore the donations given by the catering units help with some of the costs but even so the donations on the gate were not enough @ an average of 41p each. Food hygene rules are far in excess of what the committee can achieve hence the use of professional catering units. Also our band of UNPAID Committee Members and Helpers are stretched to the limit providing a safe event for everyone - without the additional strain of a catering stall.
IF this event is to return next year - We need helpers - the day before, on the day, the day after and we need Donations Not Coppers (average 41pence each) - the standard entry charge at the few remaining bonfires is between £5 and £7.50 EACH!
David Harrison - Young
Chairman
Sutton Village Committee
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Liz K
NODISC
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:26 |
Me and my husband volunteer to be helpers for next year. Will also offer our assistance for fund raising events, etc. Paul has my number.
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jacky
Sutton
Tuesday, December 2, 2008 15:05 |
Thank you Liz and Mr Liz. We will be in touch. Webmaster, can you let me have LIz's number please? |
Dawn - Sutton Pavilion
Sutton
Thursday, December 4, 2008 20:58 |
With regard to using the Pavilion on bonfire night, can I just clarify that the Pavilion was not previously used for refreshments as it was utilised by St John's Ambulance. Instead, Pavilion/Parish Council Staff, amongst others, worked as volunteers on the tea/coffee and burger stall outside in the park to raise funds for the Village Committee. The Parish Council did not benefit in any way from this event. |
Graham
Glusburn (ex Suttoner)
Friday, December 5, 2008 07:58 |
how about £3 per adult and £1.50 for under 16"s pay on gate
just a thought |
David Harrison - Young
Friday, December 5, 2008 08:35 |
In response to Dawns comment - yes in the past the committee did run a refreshments / hot food stall outside the pavillion (with volunteers helpers) however last (2007) year due to food hygene rules this was not an option.
So we did look at the possibility of using the pavillion.
However the parish council informed the committee that only the small room would be available for our use - as the pavillion would "be remaining open to sell refreshments, including pie and peas".
This is also the case on funday when the pavillion opens for parish council funds.
As you can appreciate this hinders us from raising much needed funds for these events.
Fanstatic idea Graham - this has been discussed in the past - however there are concerns that this may lead to people not entering the field and then causing a hazard and saftey issue on the road.
David Harrison - Young
Chairman
Sutton Village Committee |
Mr Bilbs
Sutton in Craven
Friday, December 5, 2008 13:14 |
Hi David
I think once at the field there would be a very small minority who would not pay to get in, but I do think if a fee is taken on the gate we need to give as much notice as possible to indicate that a fee will be payable.
Could we also have something going on in the park before, during and after the bonfire/fireworks at the same time to help boost funds?
Another idea...is there another bit of spare land nearby anywhere that we could use as a car park and charge for it?
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Sutton Village Committee
Friday, December 5, 2008 14:41 |
You would be surprised at the number of people who walk past the collection buckets completely ignoring them, also the numbers of people donating a few coppers.
The Park FAILED its risk assessment - as such that location is off the agenda
Also the park shuts at dusk, and the logistics not to mention the further costs to bring in appropriate lighting for the park, the security measures for a second site, and road closure - to make it safe for everyone, meaning we would have to raise Considerably more funds for the event and our few helpers would be stretched even further accross 2 sites. The health & safety issue of people being at the wrong site at the wrong time (like when the fireworks start) and the proceeding rush of people would be a servere hazard.
This year we had an entertainer on the field for everyones enjoyment - yet the donations were an average of 41p per head.
Well done on the car park idea - any ideas on where? - they would be greatfully recieved.
The key points the Committee would like to know are -
* Do you the villagers want this event to go ahead as it stands?
* Would you ALL donate a reasonable amount per head?
* Would any of you volunteer as helpers - the day before? on the day? or the day after? (thankyou 'Liz K and Mr Liz' we will be in touch!)
Will everyone please note if it wasn't for the hard work throughout the year by our UNPAID Members (All 10 of us! - putting in 100's of hours each!) and Volunteer Helpers the event wouldn't have gone ahead this year!
David Harrison - Young
Chairman
Sutton Village Committee
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John
Sutton
Saturday, December 6, 2008 16:20 |
By wanting the event to go as it stands do you mean as donation only or are we prepared to pay a fee?
I'm not bothered as long as it runs. It's what helps to make this village special.
What about selling raffle tickets at the gate? It would certainly be an added incentive to pay more.
What about like at the church having little collection envelopes so you can claim the tax back?
I'm sorry I can't offer to volunteer due to ill health and disability. However there are many ablebodied people in this village who were very loud in defending its rights only a month ago could they help? |
sylvia
Sunday, March 22, 2009 21:53 |
It was sad to read in the village news that the committee feel they should give it one more go. This bonfire is part of what makes Sutton a village. I believe there should be a standard charge at the gate and anyone not entering the field ie: standing on the road and the paths on Holme Lane and Hazel Grove should be asked for a donation. If the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey can charge £5 a head then I am sure a village committee can charge at least £3. Be brave committee go for it ... |
mr bilbs
Sutton in Craven
Monday, March 23, 2009 15:37 |
I agree with sylvia £3 doesnt seem at all an excesive amount - maybe also ask the chippy/Indian for a donation with regard to extra business recived? The chippy always seems to be heaving on the night.
I too would hate to see it end its one of the things that gives our village its wow factor :)
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D Smith
Monday, March 23, 2009 16:52 |
I don't mean to be rude when I say this.
But how can you complain about the money you did receive, there was no minimum charge for entering the display, and I personally do believe that if you charged around £5 per person for this years event anyone will come. (if it does go on). Whats to stop people from standing on Holme Lane, and around the top of Glusburn roads on the path looking down the field and watching them from there. People in this village are very tight with money, I can't see them paying to enter a field, when they can watch it for free while standing on the main road knowing that no-one can stop them as long as they are causing no distarbance.
I personally think that if they need to save money they should cancel the Fun Day, as its just a shambles
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Paul Wilkinson
webmaster
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 08:08 |
You're entitled to your opinion but many will disagree.
FUNDAY is a brilliant event and takes place thanks to the hard work and dedication of a small group of people. Long may it continue!
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D Smith
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 09:15 |
Regarding Mr Bilbs comment
I think it is totally unfair asking the Local Chip Shop, and Indian Takeaway for a donation from there profits.
Like many businesses in the area they have overheads to pay, I don't blame them in fact I praise them opening on the night to increase there profits, anyone with actual business sense would, but how can you justify asking for a donation from there profits.
If people want to eat a the chip shop instead of the cateering vans that are on the field that's up to them. Why should they be finically robbed by the Village Committe?
Again I don't mean to be rude
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Dawn
Sutton
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 09:18 |
The Village Committee do an excellent job regarding all events in the village and Bonfire Night is an excellent event, especially considering how much more Health & Safety issues and red-tape they have to contend with.
However, what puzzles me is that this abismally small amount which people donated last year, has, sadly been no different from previous years and should, therefore have been no surprise to the Village Committee. Therefore, my only question is (and this is not to antagonise the Village Committee, but I am genuinely puzzled) why did they spend even more last year to stage the event and then seem surprised when it didn't break even? I am not knocking the hard work they do - ALL year round - but they must have been aware beforehand that they would not have made more profit when they spent more to stage it knowing the public would still pay only a few pence to watch it.
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Mr Bilbs
Sutton in Craven
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 11:17 |
No offence taken Mr Smith. I actualy agree with you and I dont blame them for opening up - I know I would :)
I assumed the concessions in the field would be paying a ground rent/fee for being there and I thought a contribution form the chippy/indian would be a nice gesture on their part. Nothing compulsary. They might already make a contribution I dont know - I was just thinking out loud.
Back to the drawing board :)
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J Boreham
Sutton resident
Tuesday, March 24, 2009 12:07 |
The village committee put a tremendous amount of work in behind the scenes to organise the Fun Day, which is enjoyed by many people. I disagree with D Smith's opinion that it is a shambles. Can he or she do better?
People are very quick to criticise, but never consider what it takes to stage these events and can always do better, but never volunteer.
The bonfire also takes a lot of organising, the red tape and health and safety issues which have to be adhered to now, is enough to put anyone of organising any event. The insurance must also be very costly.
If families considered how much a box of fireworks cost over the counter, maybe they will think again and give more money.
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Graham
Glusburn (ex Suttoner)
Thursday, March 26, 2009 16:19 |
just a thought
why dont you share bonfire with Glusburn
hold it in Glusburn park(at the nearest weekend) charge £5 for adults £ 3 for kids
im sure all suttoners would make the short journey to Glusburn
that way Glusburn gets a bonfire again. sutton folk would also not lose out on another bonfire
ps
dont bother having outside caterers get the local scout group to do hot dogs and pies in a tent
im pretty sure the Glusburn bonfire stopped taking place due to insurance costs and it looks like suttons may be heading the same way
G |
Jean Boreham
Sutton resident
Thursday, March 26, 2009 17:52 |
My husband John, along with John Dickinson and Ian Ridehalgh used to organise the Glusburn bonfire, but had to give up because the insurance became too expensive. The scouts did a good job helping and serving hot dogs and soup, which helped their finances. I don't know whether having the bonfire in Glusburn park would be feasible now because of the much more stringent health and safety issues.
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