Hello all I am sorry to report a rather odd response from the Club's charity organiser. Following all the positive calls & emails - she had advised us that our plans were on the Board's february agenda - I received an email yesterday that said sorry, I have looked at this and we have lots of charities asking for our support, money etc and can only help a few chosen ones. This smacks of a post-Xmas daze/haze and she has not read thru our material properly. While a disppointment, I have not finished yet! 1.The Punch Trust is not asking for funds from the Club per se. 2. They, like us, and the Supportes' club chairman, are seeking a meeting, to present the case and talk thru all the issues - and then make a decision. 3. She/the Club clearly do not appreciate the massive PR/goodwill/benefits such an activity and presence will bring 4. They do not realise that perhaps the principal beneficiary will be the Club 5. All the handling, horse management, technicals - aside from opening a gate and ensuring health & safety are covered - will be conducted by the Trust So, deep breath, I am now preparing a letter for the Trust & us to send direct to the 2 MDs, enclosing Hampy's smart version of our proposals. He has been...hampered(!) by disaster with his pc crashing over Xmas. If the above strategy does not knock heads, then my friends, I think its time for the supporters, forum members, press etc to apply some pressure...and we all know how to do that. It is our Club, our history, heritage, rural, farming, Suffolk that we love, so its time they listen to us. If we have to go down this last route, then I will ask another small team to get ready a Plan B. Sorry not to be the bearer of good news today, but I remain determined to see this thru. It is such a terrific idea...Warky's I recall!
Seems like she has opened up the letter and hasn't read through it think its a begging letter and gave out the 'company policy' answer! I'm sure if you go past the gatekeeper and go to the main men they will see this as a great idea.
Thanks for continuing the good work Chaloner/ Gaffer. One thing I really hate about the club in its current guise is that it no longer seems community centred and this just sums it up. They would hardly need to do anything themselves. It would help raise profiles of both the club and the trust. The two things should be entwined together. Its the clubs badge ffs! Honestly what is the problem. I dont doubt that they get asked by numerous people to help charities and that they cant help them all but what is being asked of them is minimal and probably beneficial to them aswell. GRRRR! Good luck mate.
