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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 5, 2012 19:19:29 GMT
The event has been struggling more and more for the last few years. We used to fill a hotel and a half, now it's more like half a hotel.
Chrissie Newson and Chris Saville are to take over running Bournemouth 2013, so here is your chance to make your feelings felt.
What is good about it?
Why do you no longer attend? (keep it polite and no slander)
Let the two Chrisses know your feelings.
What can be done to improve it?
Follow this board for the full package after the AGM.
Please do not send in any further bookings until then as the pricing structure will change.
Sav
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Post by barbelman on Dec 6, 2012 10:11:00 GMT
I used to like it when all the contestants were resident at the hotel and that entry to the competition was dependant on that (and included in the price) Special arrangements were made for locals who travelled daily to the comp.
The contribution that the hotel make in giving the ballroom free and other 'generous' sponsorship is paid for by guests at the Queens in the main (you don't get owt for nowt!) and yet the facilities and ambience are enjoyed by all regardless of where they are staying. It irks me a little when I get told by someone that they are staying at Hotel Fawlty Towers for only £20 a night when they spend all their time at the Queens. It's a very inexpensive weekend for what we get and the management, the food and the staff are great - let's go back to it being a package rather than just another venue subsidised by the people who can be bothered to stay at the Queens.
Not meant to be controversial just my opinion.... ;)
Tony
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 6, 2012 10:21:17 GMT
Perfectly true Tony,
Staying round the corner in a fleapit and saving yourself a few quid jeopardises the future of the competition, we risk losing the sponsorship as the hotel is now only half full.
We will also be keeping a very close eye on who is dining in the hotel in 2013 following queries over dining numbers. Diners will be asked for their room cards in 2013 as proof of residence. Anyone found abusing the system by staying elsewhere and attempting to dine in the Queens without paying will be considered to have brought the association into disrepute and will be dealt with immediately and accordingly. Sorry if this causes inconvenience, but we must protect our relationship with the hotel.
Sav.
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enzo
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Post by enzo on Dec 6, 2012 11:41:29 GMT
This is a valid point, and for the record I do agree, but it is a catch 22 if you are asking for increased entrants or are you talking about residents? The former you won't achieve by effectively forcing the players to pay an amount they may not be comfortable with.
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Post by milko on Dec 6, 2012 13:51:36 GMT
I used to like it when all the contestants were resident at the hotel and that entry to the competition was dependant on that (and included in the price) Special arrangements were made for locals who travelled daily to the comp. The contribution that the hotel make in giving the ballroom free and other 'generous' sponsorship is paid for by guests at the Queens in the main (you don't get owt for nowt!) and yet the facilities and ambience are enjoyed by all regardless of where they are staying. It irks me a little when I get told by someone that they are staying at Hotel Fawlty Towers for only £20 a night when they spend all their time at the Queens. It's a very inexpensive weekend for what we get and the management, the food and the staff are great - let's go back to it being a package rather than just another venue subsidised by the people who can be bothered to stay at the Queens. Not meant to be controversial just my opinion.... ;) Tony I totally agree with Tony here...if we lose the hotel it would be very difficult to find a replacement that is anywhere near as good as the Queens. Bring on the package deal! Keith :(
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Post by peetee on Dec 6, 2012 14:01:42 GMT
I can remember the Queens being fully booked for many years which meant for a LOT of players including me having to find alternative accommodation..The reason..because certain players were bringing their families along for a weekend holiday who were not interested in Bar Billiards at all.
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Post by Chris on Dec 6, 2012 21:53:30 GMT
Enzo
If we had to hire any venue such as the Queens for two days over two days, without staying at the event, then the costs would rise dramatically to all participants through entry fees. The costs of most venues are £750 - £1000 per day for a room that size.
This could amount to £30 per player over two days as an increase + Hotel + breakfast + evening meal ( maybe lunch depends on how hungry you get :) )
What Chris is saying is, your support in staying at the hotel keeps costs down all round, promotes a colleigate event and ensures its future.
Chris
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enzo
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Post by enzo on Dec 7, 2012 9:51:31 GMT
Chris, you are right and as I said I do agree and it doesn't bother me in fact I'd rather stay there, I just think some would view it unfair to have the accommodation mandatory especially as we are supposed to be encouraging the younger generations.
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Post by milhouse on Dec 7, 2012 11:46:26 GMT
Some of the problems of people staying elsewhere are of the Queens own doing! After speaking with some people over the past week or so, there have been a couple of occasions where the individuals (or pairs) have been "put over the road" as the hotel was full. This happened for 2-3 years in a row and when they found out it was only £25 a night over there and they were staying there anyway, they thought they may as well just book direct with them and save money! Why pay over £100 when they can stay for £50 and the only difference is the evening meal? This also doesn't help when these people are "over the road" and there are people outside of Bar Billiards staying in the Queens even though they say only Bar Billiard players stay there during the weekend!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2012 11:53:25 GMT
Some of the problems of people staying elsewhere are of the Queens own doing! 'Orf with his head ! ;D
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Post by bobhall on Dec 7, 2012 12:12:19 GMT
This is my view on the hotel. Last year the food was absolutely shocking and the service wasn't better I ordered rare steak after waiting for it I got it well done. Then waited 25 mins for chips and all the manager says is have anything you like tomorrow and then decides to take the steak off the following night. Also the parking is a problem they need more car parking space and if they can't provide they take the bill on for where u do park
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 7, 2012 12:51:13 GMT
This is my view on the hotel. Last year the food was absolutely shocking and the service wasn't better I ordered rare steak after waiting for it I got it well done. Then waited 25 mins for chips and all the manager says is have anything you like tomorrow and then decides to take the steak off the following night. Also the parking is a problem they need more car parking space and if they can't provide they take the bill on for where u do park I suppose (to an extent) that it is inevitable that while serving food to 100+ people that somebody will be disappointed somewhere down the line, personally I thought that the food was pretty good last year and we received good service from the waitresses, who even bought extra potatoes and vegatables when we asked for them. 8-) Having said that, I did prefer the "help yourself buffet" that they used to have there a few years ago.... but perhaps I helped myself a bit too much and they couldn't afford to keep doing that every year!! :-[ ;D ;D I have to agree entirely that parking is an issue though, unless you arrive early on the Friday you will struggle to find anywhere in the hotel car park.... ::)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2012 13:17:44 GMT
To be fair to Bob, he was not quibbling about the prices, only about the hotel service. :-/
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 7, 2012 13:40:43 GMT
A couple of points to answer here.
1) Bookings and being placed in other hotels.
This was absolutely nothing to do with the Queens as all room placements HAVE BEEN DECIDED BY AEBBA VIA ERIC HILL. There should not be a problem this year, provided you get your bookings in on time as unallocated rooms are surrendered back to the Queens when bookings close.
2) Parking
Better use could be made of the existing car park with double banking in places, everybody is there for the weekend. Arrangements have been made to use the college car park as an overflow car park, more info to follow on Sunday.
3) Food
I was not aware that the hotel had reverted to table service last year as I was not there. A poll can be started on this subject and the majority rule but all will not be happy either way!
If you have any grievances about Bournemouth 2013, then let either of the two Chrisses know and we will hold a debrief meeting with the hotel management at the end of the competition.
It's simple, you have a new management team, let us know what you want and when you have problems. Everything in Bournemouth 2013 will be totally transparent. If too many choose not to stay at the Queens then there will be no competition there as the hotel will not consider the sponsorship worthwhile.
Chris Saville.
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 7, 2012 18:41:43 GMT
It's simple, you have a new management team, let us know what you want and when you have problems. Everything in Bournemouth 2013 will be totally transparent. If too many choose not to stay at the Queens then there will be no competition there as the hotel will not consider the sponsorship worthwhile. Great to get such positive feedback from one of the new organisers and great news that some of the previous areas that may have been considered a problem by some players either have or will be discussed with the hotel. 8-) I am sure that we will all look forward to confirmation of the final arrangements and pricing after the AEBBA AGM this weekend and hope that the event will be well supported to ensure that it has a future. ;D
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Post by Colemanator on Dec 7, 2012 23:43:33 GMT
Time to find another resort IMO. 8-)
Hunstanton, Cromer or Gt Yarmouth, might entice some of those EA 4 pin players as well 8-)
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Post by bigtj on Dec 8, 2012 9:47:34 GMT
Always enjoy this weekend, and I do bring a non player namely ny wife who joins in the evening events, puts money over the bar, and for someone whose life is dominated by bar billiards and does not play, this, Jersey and Guernsey are my times to say thanks for putting up with all the times I am out.
Always thought Queens have done us proud, but agree the buffet format was on the whole good. Never had a problem with the food or service given. As already mentioned if we go elsewhere we would probably pay a lot for the room hire and the costs would become restrictive.
Think dropping numbers is probably back to that old problem of finances, most opens have had to work hard to keep their entries at a level that at least makes them break even. Car parking has got harder as surrounding areas now have parking meters, whilst not so long back you could park on the road nearby.
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David.G
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Post by David.G on Dec 8, 2012 13:03:10 GMT
This is my view on the hotel. Last year the food was absolutely shocking and the service wasn't better I ordered rare steak after waiting for it I got it well done. Then waited 25 mins for chips and all the manager says is have anything you like tomorrow and then decides to take the steak off the following night. Also the parking is a problem they need more car parking space and if they can't provide they take the bill on for where u do park This has been a problem over recent years. However the Hotel now has NEW MANAGEMENT. As of MAY 2012 the Queens have initiated a NEW KITCHEN PROGRAM using trainee chefs from all over the country on a 2 year academic course. This allows the Hotel to have an extensive COOKING & SERVING program, more chefs and waiters/waitresses than any other Hotel As for parking? there are extra spaces at the college opposite the Queens Hotel. We should not dwell on the past mistakes of the Queens EX management, instead we should try and make 2013 one of the best attended weekends. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP US RESURRECT THIS GREAT WEEKEND EVENT Only you can make this happen so PLEASE support this event
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 8, 2012 19:59:52 GMT
Okay, the new organiser (Sav) has asked for our opinions about Bournemouth, so here goes.... Firstly, I fully agree with what Dave Alder has said.... We should not dwell on the past mistakes of the Queens EX management, instead we should try and make 2013 one of the best attended weekends. GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP US RESURRECT THIS GREAT WEEKEND EVENT Only you can make this happen so PLEASE support this event We must support this event and give both the new organisers and the new management the chance to show what the future would be like if we stay at the Queens Hotel.... we will certainly be there next year and look forward to seeing friends (old and new) while we are there. 8-) But, as Colemanator said.... Time to find another resort IMO. 8-) Hunstanton, Cromer or Gt Yarmouth, might entice some of those EA 4 pin players as well 8-) .... we should not rule out other options in the future, especially if either the costs are better or the venue is more likely to attract more (or new) players to enter the Competition. 8-) Obviously, there would have to be some clear advantages for another venue before we should consider moving it as the Queens Hotel have hosted the event and looked after us well for the last few years, but times change and as Dave Alder said.... we should not dwell in the past! So perhaps somebody involved from the AEBBA could make some enquiries at other venues and find out if there would be any benefit to moving? Okay, so what do we like or dislike about the Hotel.... and Tournament itself? Although I personally do like the Queens Hotel as it seems to have a very relaxing atmosphere, I would have to question whether it is particularly good value for money? The only way that I can compare it is to look at the prices we paid this year for the 3 competitions where we stayed in hotels for the weekend.... Queens Hotel - Half Board for 2 nights for 2 people, cost £215.00. Les Rocquettes (Guernsey) - Bed & Breakfast for 2 nights for 2 people, cost £180.00 Merton Hotel (Jersey) - Bed & Breakfast for 2 nights for 2 people, cost £148.00 Allowing for the fact that it is half-board, it doesn't seem bad value in comparison to Les Rocquettes but it does look expensive compared to the Merton.... personally, I would also say that both Les Rocquettes and the Merton are slightly better hotels. ::) Perhaps the comparison is rather unfair as I know that Sav has said that the pricing structure will change this year so the costs for the Queens may come down.... I also don't know if the room costs for players at either the Merton or Les Rocquettes are "subsidised" by the hotel charging the Competition Organisers for the hire of the main room that the competition is played in.... and the Queens Hotel obviously don't charge for that and they have also sponsored some of the prizes I believe? ;D Would another venue do this....? That is another factor that the organisers certainly have to consider. ;D Could we get a better deal elsewhere... maybe? Is it worth the organisers speaking to the Queens Hotel about giving an option for just Bed & Breakfast, so that some people would have the option to just go down into the town centre to buy a Burger or Fish & Chips in the evening rether than paying for the evening meal? Or possibly even looking to get the players to arrive Saturday morning, start the competition in the afternoon and run on slightly later on the Sunday afternoon which would save people paying for 2 nights accommodation.... although perhaps that wouldn't be financially viable for the hotel? I'm just trying to look at other options here, I'm not trying to be critical about either the Hotel or anything that has been organised in the past. With regards to the actual competition itself, how do we get more players to want to take part.... assuming that the question of costs have been answered? Okay, so why do we all enter these competitions.... to play the game of course!! As we have seen on another thread, people have different reasons for wanting to play in the Opens, partly it is the "social side" of the game but more often it is because we want to play competitive games.... and maybe cause a shock or two on the way. ;D I think that the Bournemouth weekend is perhaps one of the most "social events" on the bar billiards calender and it seems that several of the players enter that competition as the only one that they do each year.... so clearly the social aspect of the weekend is important for them. For me, personally I would like to play more games.... so either I need to play better, find opponents who want to lose or hope that the format changes to guarantee us more games over the weekend. :o I cannot help but question as to whether an entry level of only 50-60 pairs really justifies a competition that lasts a whole weekend, costs over £200 for a couple to go to and means that everybody has to arrive on Friday evening.... when some Opens have entries of 90-100 people (or more in the case of Sussex) and are played in a day! ::) Earlier this year there were 3 rounds played on the Saturday, starting at 10.30am with the last series being played at 5pm.... on the Sunday, the Quarter-Finals started at 11am with the Final being finished by 3pm, so surely there would be plenty of time to fit more games in over the weekend? Assuming that the entry level is similar next year, should we look to change the Format for the competition and maybe play the first round in Groups, which is how the AEBBA Mixed Pairs are played.... or should we even look to combine another competition (Mixed Pairs, Over 50's, Alternate Rules.... something else?) while we are all down there and the tables are sitting there unused...?? Potentially, that could attract more players to take part.... or at least it would free up another weekend later in the year for either something different, or just to give Dave Alder a week off!! ;D ;D ;D We will certainly be entering the competition next year and will look forward to another good weekend in Bournemouth, although personally my favorite weekend away on the Bar Billiards calender is without doubt Guernsey.... for the simple reasons of the following.... Les Rocquettes is a good hotel and there is always plenty of bar billiards going on over the whole weekend from the Guernsey Masters on the Friday night, the Pairs on the Saturday followed by either the International or the Inter Insular match and then the Open on the Sunday. Plus, I have to say that the welcome we have always received from the Guernsey players is the best anywhere.... even if I do always end up with a hangover on Saturday morning!! ::) ;D If the Bournemouth (or any venue this competition moves to) weekend could offer as many things that I enjoy as the Guernsey weekend, my name would be the first on the list of entries every year.... but at the moment Bournemouth would be the first one of the three weekends that we would drop if we had to make that choice for any reason. ::) Looking back at what I have written here, it probably seems that either I am being rather critical about the whole weekend or I am being controversial about it.... if you have read it that way then I apologise, it is intended to get people to think about it and (most importantly) to give their opinions about it all.... that is the only way that the new organisers will know what the players want! 8-)
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Post by Colemanator on Dec 8, 2012 20:32:54 GMT
I used to like Eastbourne, easier to park, and right on the seafront 8-)
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Post by Chris on Dec 9, 2012 8:28:07 GMT
Dave
Your post is really helpful and there is a lot there.
Everything you have asked as a question has been considered, including looking at getting quotes first for 2014.
Costs will come down this year. I have already raised the question about B and B only for 2014. That then would give us an analogy for hotels such as this in the UK. We can't really compare to outside the UK as I am sure we could get it far cheaper in Spain or somewhere.
More importantly everything will be totally transparent.
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 9, 2012 9:26:09 GMT
Hi Chrissie, Your post is really helpful and there is a lot there. Everything you have asked as a question has been considered, including looking at getting quotes first for 2014. Great news, I am sure that the future of the competition is in safe hands. 8-) Costs will come down this year. I have already raised the question about B and B only for 2014. That then would give us an analogy for hotels such as this in the UK. We can't really compare to outside the UK as I am sure we could get it far cheaper in Spain or somewhere. Do you think so.... I would say that I am looking forward then to the first Spanish Open Pairs.... ;D ;D ;D .... but I think that the costs of transporting the tables over there might be a bit too much! ::) ;D
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 10, 2012 11:37:22 GMT
Following yesterday's AGM there are a couple of final points that need re-negotiating with the hotel.
Prices will be slightly lower than on the existing booking form and we are doing everything we can to make sure that everybody is accommodated at the hotel, should they so desire.
I will issue full details and a new booking form today or tomorrow.
Chris Saville.
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Post by Chris on Dec 10, 2012 19:15:34 GMT
Didn't say we were going to play Bar Billiards Dave ;)
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Post by Chris on Dec 10, 2012 20:42:10 GMT
I have had a few enquiries about free rooms at Bournemouth.
We want all to know that there are no free rooms for organisers at all that is me and Chris Saville.
Regards Chris
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 10, 2012 22:39:29 GMT
Re Chrissie's post, there are some cynics in life! :'(
Here we are working our socks off to get Bomo 2013 back on an even keel and texts are flying around asking if more organisers means even more free rooms >:( We have yet to announce the full details of the package pending final negotiations with the hotel.
Full announcement will hopefully be made tomorrow if I get the final reply from the hotel manager. Chrissie and I have already stated that full and transparent accounting will take place in Bomo 2013.
There were free rooms last year, there will not be this coming year, apart from the AEBBA Secretary and that was Chrissie's and my decision, not Dave's, he is not making decisions. We have surrendered the other extra free rooms that we would have got in order to gain a couple of quid a head off the bill for everyone.
What I do ask is to get forms in, once the new ones are issued, before the end of January as all unallocated rooms will be given back to the hotel. Book on time and we hope to get everyone who wishes in the Queens.
Chris Saville.
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 11, 2012 9:06:49 GMT
Full announcement will hopefully be made tomorrow if I get the final reply from the hotel manager. Chrissie and I have already stated that full and transparent accounting will take place in Bomo 2013. There were free rooms last year, there will not be this coming year, apart from the AEBBA Secretary and that was Chrissie's and my decision, not Dave's, he is not making decisions. We have surrendered the other extra free rooms that we would have got in order to gain a couple of quid a head off the bill for everyone. It is good to hear that there will be no "hidden costs" involved in the Competition next year and I am sure that will benefit everybody involved in the competition both this time and in the future. 8-) Bearing in mind the the huge amount of work that he does for our game, a free room for Dave A is the very least that he deserves and I am sure that many of the players will also buy him a drink over the course of the weekend to say thank you as well. ;D I look forward to seeing details of the new prices once the organisers have finalised these with the hotel and thank them both for keeping us informed and trying to keep the costs as low as possible. :D
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 11, 2012 17:09:25 GMT
Bournemouth, The Package for Friday and Saturday nights.
• Revised price is £103.00 per person for the weekend half board, single room (limited) or sharing. • Single occupancy of a double room £7.50 per night extra (charged Friday and Saturday only) • Revised Saturday night only £58.00 (DBB) • Revised extra nights prices before and after the event: £45.00 DBB per person, £35.00 BB per person • Revised prices for Children 0 – 5 no charge. 5 – 15 £15.00 per child per night
This is a significant reduction in prices, particularly in the families area. Please support the work we have done and safeguard the future of the event by staying at the Queens.
The Queens has a completely new management structure (including head chef) and is now the first 'teaching hotel' in the country, offering apprenticeships in many areas. The night I stayed there (AT MY OWN COST), after seeing Eric, to set all this up with the rest of the team, I was very impressed by the level of service in the restaurant.
• The Hotel will not charge for use of the main function hall or disco. • The Hotel will provide £250.00 sponsorship. • 3x two day breaks as prizes.
• Cheaper bar prices: o Carling £3.00 per pint o Worthington’s £3.00 per pint o Doom Bar £3.00 per pint o All mixers and juices £1.10 o Draft soft drinks £1.00 per half pint, £2.00 per pint, 25p per dash o Orange & lemonade £1.50 per half pint, £3.20 per pint o Cordial 50p per half pint, 25p per dash • One complimentary twin bedroom • Cheaper bar meals prices: o Baguettes £3.25, choice of fillings o Chips £2.10
Dinner in the evening is served from 1900 – 2030. We will prepare tables of 6, 8. Guests are not allowed to reserve tables. Guests will be required to show their registration cards before being taken to their table. Disco for Friday and Saturday (possibly quiz as well) from 2100 – 0030. Guest ale of our choice to be ordered (if available). Additional overflow car parking in the college car park (details to follow). This includes use of the spa and pool facilities. Extra large jug of custard for one well known player.
Please share rooms if at all possible as this is the only perceived threat to running out of rooms. These are the charges AEBBA are being charged, with one twin room free for the AEBBA secretary. There are no other freebie rooms from now on, yes that's right the organisers are paying!! (will have choice of rooms though). Single rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis, once all used then the single occupancy charge will click in (unless single occupancy already requested). We will advise on single room availablity as time progresses. The list of entrants will be put in a members only board to preserve anonimity.
We MUST have registration forms and deposits by the end of January, non allocated rooms will go back to the hotel for subsequent rental AT NORMAL ROOM RATES.
New registration form and whatver we have forgotten will be available tomorrow.
In future years room allocation will be rotated.
The Two Chrisses.
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Post by Q on Dec 11, 2012 17:13:51 GMT
I say a BIG round of applause to the two Chrises for all the hard work so far, well done
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Post by BB Warrior on Dec 11, 2012 17:26:19 GMT
Bournemouth, The Package for Friday and Saturday nights. • Revised price is £103.00 per person for the weekend, single room (limited) or sharing. • Single occupancy of a double room £7.50 per night extra (charged Friday and Saturday only) • Revised Saturday night only £58.00 (DBB) • Revised extra nights prices before and after the event: £45.00 DBB per person, £35.00 BB per person • Revised prices for Children 0 – 5 no charge. 5 – 15 £15.00 per child per night This is a significant reduction in prices, particularly in the families area. Please support the work we have done and safeguard the future of the event by staying at the Queens. New registration form and whatver we have forgotten will be available tomorrow. Many thanks to both "Chrisses" for your work getting these reductions and for providing the information so quickly. 8-) An interesting option to stay for "Saturday night only" that may prove attractive for those that are looking to reduce the cost of the weekend and will hopefully lead to more entries next year. ;D I look forward to the revised registration form being available to send in our entries.... 8-)
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