The Norfolk bash

[Unframed Dave]

We're happy to hold another but are also happy to sit back if somebody else wants to do it.

My only issue is that a lot of time went into the last one prior to the event and we're only prepared to write that time off if there are enough attendees committed to coming. I'm talking man weeks not hours, seems unbelievable I know, I certainly wasn't prepared for it. Covid had a lot to do with that.

Financially we were out by a small margin over the last one, but not enough for me to be concerned about and a second would see it cancelled out. We were planning on purchasing at least one other event shelter and possibly another of the plastic benches with any excess monies. I would also have removed the tree in the way of the shooting bench to provide more space. I don't like it anyway.

So, in conclusion, more than happy to arrange an April bash. If people want it at a commercial venue, also happy, but, it still needs an organiser. Somebody who is going to put their hand up and say "I'll do It". There are no such venues close to me, so I'm out.

I believe that a commercial venue will lose a lot. Some facilities don't take dogs, don't have access for campervans, won't allow unsupervised shooting........ I could go on.

The important thing is that it continues. As I said quite recently, this is much more than about shooting tin chickens and way more than selling a few rifles.

Dave

[Trumpetier]

I'm certainly up for a bash at your place Dave in April

An excellent venue for sure and it keeps true to the spirit of the "bash"

[TonyL]

We're happy to hold another but are also happy to sit back if somebody else wants to do it.

My only issue is that a lot of time went into the last one prior to the event and we're only prepared to write that time off if there are enough attendees committed to coming. I'm talking man weeks not hours, seems unbelievable I know, I certainly wasn't prepared for it. Covid had a lot to do with that.

Financially we were out by a small margin over the last one, but not enough for me to be concerned about and a second would see it cancelled out. We were planning on purchasing at least one other event shelter and possibly another of the plastic benches with any excess monies. I would also have removed the tree in the way of the shooting bench to provide more space. I don't like it anyway.

So, in conclusion, more than happy to arrange an April bash. If people want it at a commercial venue, also happy, but, it still needs an organiser. Somebody who is going to put their hand up and say "I'll do It". There are no such venues close to me, so I'm out.

I believe that a commercial venue will lose a lot. Some facilities don't take dogs, don't have access for campervans, won't allow unsupervised shooting........ I could go on.

The important thing is that it continues. As I said quite recently, this is much more than about shooting tin chickens and way more than selling a few rifles.

Dave

Well, taking all that lot into account, it's sounding like Norfolk it is, Dave.

As long as you're sure? And, having run one now, you've a better idea of what to expect and have some components in place which can be used again.

Re the cost, now that you maybe have a far clearer idea, maybe a re-calculation might be required (you'll also know the minimum attendee requirement) and a new cost per head calculated to make sure that you're not out of pocket. I'm sure everyone involved will be happy to pay more, if needs be, to ensure the continuation and so as not to take your fine offer for granted.

[Unframed Dave]

Like I said Tony, I'm happy to do it but equally happy if anyone else wants to take it on.

The next one will be easier for us having done it once.

Re price, I'm happy where it is. The majority of attendees camp, they now have to pay extra for that.

Toilet hire cost 102.

Catering equipment, disposable flatware and cutlery was significant. We had to buy substantial quantities to get them at a reasonable price. We have more than enough for a second bash. Sanitiser, ditto.

Where we may come unstuck is tables and shelter. We were lucky to get the village hall to loan us their tables, but that cannot be guaranteed. We personally have 9 metres of tables, plus two dining tables if they survive being left out all winter, if they don't, they're going on the bonfire. I don't have room to store them internally. From memory we borrowed around another 10 metres of tables. To buy another 9 metres will cost around 200. Fingers crossed we can borrow again. Shelter is another issue. We put up about 13 metres of shelter, given the weather this was adequate, if it rains heavily though we need more and better. The ideal quality shelters are around 200 per 3.5 metres.

As you can swiftly see, one off bashes consisting of around 30 people can't support this. Plus storing all this stuff becomes a bit of an issue.

So, the more attendees, the better. Hopefully the thirty limit will be increased by April, but who knows. Then there becomes the issue of shooting space. Hard to judge as we had to allow social distancing this time around, again, next year, who knows?

What I can guarantee is that the more money comes in, the better the facilities we can provide. Not a penny will be unspent.

I know location is an issue, but the hardcore attended from Glasgow down to Southampton, via Rochdale, Birmingham, London and Middlesbrough. We have personally made the four hour drive to Micks at least 20 times now.

This thread may as well now serve to discuss future plans for the bash so if anyone has views, please throw them in.

Dave

[MikeHW45]

As Tony said if it means paying more as individuals to ensure no-one ends up out of pocket then it’s a great idea. At the end of the day, it’s a lot of event for very little money.