CCC Forum

Following on from the suggestions given on Wednesday night - weekend trip away and day trip by coach - I thought I would start a thread for any other suggestions people may have as time draws near to March 2015.

Having read a copy of Photography News Issue 11 magazine, I see a page devoted to camera club news. It covers the (youthful!) 30th anniversary for Chapel CC, so Im sure we could get published nearer the time.

I also like the idea on the same page - which I have scanned below - as a good way of publicising the club. Im sure something similar could be arranged with the Whitgift Centre?? Giving people a free digital portrait would draw people into the shop and give members experience with portraiture.

What do people think?

Good idea Paul It could be done anytime during our anniversary year, depending on the availability of a suitable premises. And if it's after April, I could get involved as I'll be retired !

Paul Heester wrote:
I also like the idea on the same page - which I have scanned below - as a good way of publicising the club. Im sure something similar could be arranged with the Whitgift Centre?? [/attachment]

Thanks for posting this suggestion, Paul.

I have never seen any of the empty units in the Whitgift Centre used either on a temporary basis or as charity shops. Landlords can benefit greatly from the latter as business rates sometimes are not payable at all or at just 20% of the full rate, so there is definitely a financial inducement to do so. It might be that there is a policy prohibiting such usage as it can cheapen the appearance of a shopping centre and there could be objections from other stores. If we have sufficient people who would be willing to help run such a venture, there is no harm in asking, however.

Thought I would bump this idea back into the mix given we have just passed our anniversary.

On the day coach hire subject I got a quote from a local company. It was based on hire for Saturday 16th May going to Hastings and possibly a second location in the afternoon. Pickup was at 0800 from the Methodist hall and drop off at 1800.

49 seat vehicle (with W/C) = £750.00
32 seat vehicle (No W/C) = £650.00
+ Parking

Obviously there are a lot of variables at play here - date, locations and numbers of people. Im not even sure enough people are interested in a day out to justify the cost involved. Even if we fill up 30 seats that's still just over £20.

Please all add your thoughts

One recommendation I have had from someone I know who hires coaches regularly was for Woodcocks in East Grinstead and he suggested that the price would be lower than what you have been quoted at around £500, albeit he normally hires for a shorter period than the one you have proposed and wage costs will be a factor. I have been on a Woodcocks coach, which was comfortable and well driven.

Whilst it might be nice to travel together, the coach hire is still a relatively large outlay. Personally speaking if the outing were to Hastings I'd probably drive myself as it seems a bit daft to drive into Croydon only to go virtually past my front door again on the way back down to the A21 ! But that's a personal choice.