I had been to the Staverton Golf and Country club before a couple of times with the Beverley ex Boys association so was pretty familiar with the way they work. Another visit this week showed that times have changed. However,it all went very well. On Saturday evening we have been offered for our exclusive use a select dining room normally used for back tie events, special award winning events and formal functions. It has its own bar and kitchen so the food is prepared right "on the spot". I have to say it is a very smart function room.
It is however about 100 yards from the main building and I have expressed to them my concern if it is a wet evening (not very likely but who knows....) we would need cover of some sort to walk to the venue.. Umbrellas would be provided. My other concern was that we do have a number of more elderly members and disabled personnel, but they have assured me that they have a large golf buggy and that anybody who has difficulty walking to the venue, a member of staff will drive them. I could not ask for more.
So the next move is to go ahead with the reunion as planned. It will be on the week ending Saturday September 9 2023. There will be a supplement on the Saturday evening for the hire of the room and the extra staff who will need to be employed. This is quite normal but is sometimes taken into consideration with the room rate. I have negotiated a very reasonable room rate for both the double and the single (hardly any more than this year when we were on a very inexpensive and special rate at the Marriott).
The contract will be sent to Pat for signing. They will also require a £1000 deposit which will be refundable unless the event is cancelled. Pat and Frank will take care of this. It does not involve us.
The main thing negotiated is that Pam and I will do all the "donkey work" and administration. (Originally they wanted members to book their rooms and leave a deposit on the room and credit card details.) So its just the same as this year. You tell me what you want in terms of rooms, food, special needs etc and Pam and I will do the rest. That is what I wanted.
In the main complex which we will use on Thursday,and Friday is a swimming pool, fitness centre, a very attractive bar and lounge facilities and outside an 18 hole golf course,
I have had to objections to using the remote funtion room from any of the members and friends so we will go ahead.
Best regards and stay safe. John H
