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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 22, 2012 9:25:26 GMT
As we go into the Christmas break, 23 rooms have been reserved and 14 pairs entered (see AEBBA members only).
Four of the eleven single rooms that will not attract a surcharge for single occupancy have gone.
Use the Christams break to get your entries in please! the postman will be working. Remember AEBBA are not making anything out of your room payments this year and a good deal has been negotiated, so support the weekend please by staying at the Queens.
Chris Saville. AEBBA Treasurer
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 30, 2012 10:18:34 GMT
Please remember entry fees will be collected at the event.
Please also remember that room choices at the Queens will be allocated strictly in order of receipt. We have now requests for a third of the rooms, so please try and share or have an ordinary single room, there are seven left.
Latest position;
Allocated 30
Double 17 Family 2 Single 4 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 2 Total 30
Sav
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Post by Chris_Sav on Dec 31, 2012 20:07:17 GMT
Latest allocations
Allocated 34
Double 19 Family 3 Single 4 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 3 Total 34
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 5, 2013 12:00:35 GMT
Latest position on rooms
Allocated 39
Double 24 Family 3 Single 4 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 3 Total 39
Approaching half full and a lot of well known names to come!!
Sav
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 9, 2013 11:22:54 GMT
Not much happening here!!
Only twenty three sleeps to go until entries close and only half of last year's last sixteen have entered.
On 1st Feb unbooked rooms have to be handed back to the hotel. Their current cheapest room rates for the weekend is £308!!! That's the scale of the deal you are getting at £206 (double room) for the weekend.
If you leave it until the last minute then you are taking the chance that there will still be rooms available at the Queens. Rooms are being allocated in order of payment/deposit receipt, the last rooms allocated will be the ones Eric tried not to use, so get your bookings in.
Please make sure your team-mates are aware that discounted bookings will soon be closing for this fabulous weekend.
Chris Saville, AEBBA Treasurer
Current position:
Available 100 Allocated 38
Double 22 Family 3 Single 4 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 4 Total 38
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Post by milhouse on Jan 9, 2013 11:48:49 GMT
Not much happening here!! Only twenty three sleeps to go until entries close and only half of last year's last sixteen have entered. On 1st Feb unbooked rooms have to be handed back to the hotel. Their current cheapest rates for the weekend is £308!!! That's the scale of the deal you are getting at £206 for the weekend.If you leave it until the last minute then you are taking the chance that there will still be rooms available at the Queens. Rooms are being allocated in order of payment/deposit receipt, the last rooms allocated will be the ones Eric tried not to use, so get your bookings in. Please make sure your team-mates are aware that discounted bookings will soon be closing for this fabulous weekend. Chris Saville, AEBBA Treasurer Current position: Available 100 Allocated 38
Double 22 Family 3 Single 4 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 4 Total 38
Where does this figure come from ? The week before and the week after this weekend, you can get a single room for 2 nights for £80 ? :o
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Post by JB on Jan 9, 2013 12:19:01 GMT
Does seem strange. Looking on their website £308 is correct for the weekend but if you book the same room either the weekend before or weekend after it is £240.
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 9, 2013 13:43:31 GMT
As Jean correctly comments, the figures are from their website and I have no idea why the difference to our weekend, which still represents a significant saving.
There is little point in trying to compare prices for a room only single (£80 appears one night to me) with a bed, breakfast and full evening meal double for two nights though. Some of the rooms on the week either side cost well over £300 for half board and we will be using those as well.
If all attendees support this weekend and stay at the hotel then Chrissie and I will be in a far stronger position to negotiate next years deal with the hotel. These negotiations will take place this March at the debrief with the hotel management after the competition when most of you are on your way home.
Last year the hotel was only three quarters full, including a lot of single occupancy. We will not get the hotel facilities for free and cannot negotiate a better deal for those who do support AEBBA by staying at the Queens if people continue to stay elsewhere.
We hope to broaden the package next year by offering B & B for those who prefer to dine out.
Chris Saville AEBBA Teasurer
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Post by milhouse on Jan 9, 2013 15:10:20 GMT
The £80 i mention is for B&B for 2 nights (£40 each night Fri & Sat) source is booking . com
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Post by Chris on Jan 9, 2013 18:35:57 GMT
Mark - No one is suggesting that you cannot get it cheaper. You are though missing payment for the cost of the hire of the room that has to be accounted for.
I will be the first to admit that I have stayed elsewhere, proud of myself for getting it cheaper. When I went down to look at the true costs, what i actually did was expect others to pay for the room hire, that I did not contribute to by not staying at the Queens. This was never done knowingly but I do think the full facts should be known to all.
Mark - How would you suggest we ensure an equality here? For the future that is?
I am genuinely interested in yours and others views who may have already booked elsewhere? As Chris has said we will need to be looking at 2014 straight after this event and we need all views to make decisions.
Of key importance is that it has to be financially viable to run. My personal point would be, with costs equally shared by all.
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Post by milhouse on Jan 9, 2013 21:15:20 GMT
In my personal opinion, the reference to the room hire to play the games in is irrelevant, does any other open say the entry fee is more because of the venue hire ? If for example everyone stayed at the hotel, then to have that many people stay and spend money over the bar, any hotel in these times would be chewing your arm off to get you in, especially during March, which is in the off season. You have to look at it from the players point of view, when you can see that you can go to the same hotel much cheaper the week before and after, people wonder why? We keep getting told that we are getting massive discounts on the rooms, but the evidence is contrary to this.
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Post by barbelman on Jan 10, 2013 9:06:34 GMT
The two Chris's have very kindly taken this on at the very last minute and are operating in a very open and transparent way. They have promised to listen to what people want and indeed have made several changes already in response to participant's requests. For goodness sake, give them a chance to find the balance of everyone's needs and desires for this weekend. It is enjoyed by the majority of people exactly as it is and yes we could stay in a shed and yes we could eat at KFC every night, but at the end of the day it's a good weekend in pleasant surroundings, with good food and excellent company and IMHO, it is still a very reasonable price for a weekend away. Give C & C a break - they are putting a lot of effort into this so let's stop being negative and all work together to get it right for everyone as far as humanly possible.
Tony (for the silent majority)
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Post by milhouse on Jan 10, 2013 10:17:31 GMT
I am in no way having a go at Chris & Chris and if any of my comments have come across like that, then i apologise. I have been saying the same thing ever since i first started going to Bournemouth 5 years ago. I am just pointing out that we keep getting told we are getting a fantastic price for what we are paying when the fact is we are not when you compare the prices for staying at the same hotel one week before or after.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2013 13:33:12 GMT
Mark,
It sounds like your problem is not with C&C or, indeed, with The Queens Hotel per se - but rather with the concept of Capitalism's manipulation of the age old principle of 'supply and demand'.
In this case, for example, there is neither short supply (nor clearly massively heavy demand) but yet the price has gone up compared to weekends where the hotel has a lower occupancy. Of course, much of this increase can be justified. There is no doubt that the hotel needs to have more staff on duty when they enjoy higher occupancy. Both kitchen & restaurant staff as well as Housekeeping and administration.
This will inevitably be part of the price, however, will not be everything. The hotel will, quite obviously, seek to yield an higher margin on this weekend to mitigate those where they are under occupied. What business, conforming to the 'no holds barred' rules of capitalism would not?
It's the same with all of the 'low fares' airlines. For example: Michael O'Leary (who, IMHO, is only missing a mask and a striped jersey!) clearly sets members of staff the task of watching things like SkySports News for Champions League draws so that they can exploit people. I tested this last month.
On, I think, the 3rd of December (I may have the wrong week here but the chronology of events is correct), some twelve days prior to the Champions League draw for the last 16 teams, I looked at Ryanair flight costs for all six of (The mighty) Celtic's potential opponents. All costs were published, as you would expect, at pretty reasonable rates. Circa £30-£60 each way.
I was looking, in particular, for flights on the Tuesday and returning on the Thursday.
Then on the 7th of December (7 days prior to the draw) I checked again - no change.
On the 9th December (5 days before the draw) there was change. ALL prices to all of the potential destinations had gone up by exactly £60 each way. Now, was there increase demand? No, was there reduced supply? Of course not. Ryanair do not have the ability to increase or reduce the quantity of their timetabled flights in this manner. They would need to apply for additional service licenses which are granted annually.
So what were they up to? Well, they were (as they say in financial circles) hedging. They knew that they were going to put the prices up further for the specific routes required by Celtic supporters once the draw had been made but they wanted to ensure that those who booked flights early, took a risk on the destination (or indeed booked multiple flights and destinations) within their cancellation rules, still selected a flight at an 'inflated' price.
These prices were held up to and including the day of the draw. I checked them daily.
Finally, on the day of the draw, I had multiple Internet pages open to see what they would do.
And yes, as soon as the draw was made, flights from Prestwick to Turin (or Gatwick to Turin) were increased to £299 each way!!
Now, if we return to the concept of supply and demand and cost base.
Was there any reduction in supply? No, they can still only operate the same number of flights to the same destinations and the planes can still only hold the same number of people.
Was there increased demand? Yes. These planes will be full but this means that they are more likely to cover their cost base, of course so theoretically the price could be reduced (per passenger) not increased.
Has the cost base increased? Yes but only very marginally. More passengers means more fuel costs (although airlines pay for fuel annually in arrears - although they contract annually in advance - so this balances out in the course of a year!). It does not increase staff numbers, however, as they rarely deploy additional check-in staff and the number of cabin staff is dictated by the plane type not the number of passengers (or victims in the case of Ryanair!) on board.
So, the rules of basic supply and demand do not apply really. The rules of Capitalism's manipulation of it in order to extract higher margins at the expense of what is 'reasonable' have been applied instead. Frankly, it's a bitch!
It only becomes acceptable and reasonable when viewed at a macro level. The fact that they can 'rape' Celtic fans (and others) on these flights helps to mitigate the pain they feel on those flights that are under sold.
Now, whilst I'm not saying the Queen's are in any way as bad as Ryanair. But they do apply the same basic approach.
Would we be in any better position to swap hotels based on this? Of course not, all hotels would apply a similar methodology.
So, the next argument is one of competition. Hotels and business are desperately seeking new business and thus they undercut and yet still deliver bette services to new customers. Yes, that old chestnut. Even theoretically this principle CAN ONLY APPLY FOR A VERY SHORT TIME PERIOD before the metrics make it impossible. Hence where we are today - advanced capitalism.
This offers us the benefit of the market that no longer offers the very best services and certainly not at the cheapest prices. Examples of which would be:
Gas prices have never been higher (relative to income) for the last 60 odd years. Electricity prices have never been higher (relative to income) for the last 100 odd years. Rail fares have never been higher. Insurance charges have never been higher. Fuel prices have never been higher.
And yet few of these business fail. This is because of the manipulation of the 'supply and demand' rule that Capitalism, unchecked, creates.
Just a thought!
So Mark - or should I say comrade! - whilst you thought you were a Tory, secretly you are a socialist. Welcome!
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Post by Chris on Jan 10, 2013 18:18:17 GMT
Mark
I have taken no offence by your reply.
I do though have to say that the room that we use is a function room, which the Queens keeps private for us for three days at a large cost to them, as who knows despite your remarks they could have hired out. This has to be added in despite your bit about the monies they may make.
Would you suggest that in future we hire a venue for two days or use a free one and let those that attend decide upon whether they travel daily or find their own accommodation for the event?? In which case may not be a hotel with no evening events or chance to have a disco, a quiz, play cards !!!
I truly cannot believe that political beliefs, religious beliefs, racial beliefs, dietry requirements, my Autistic ways or any other beliefs or ways of living are relevant to this topic in any way.
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 10, 2013 19:10:57 GMT
To get this back on track as an information thread and away from the earler drivel, critical of all our efforts to get Bournemouth back on an even keel.
Several bookings today and more expected tomorrow.
Available 100 Allocated 45
Double 27 Family 3 Single 6 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 4 Total 45
Sav
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2013 19:11:40 GMT
I'll bet the two Chrisses are already beginning to regret having taken on what is threatening to become a thankless task. There's a saying "Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!"
And to quote Mother Theresa: In doing your best serving others for free, a lot of eyebrows will raise and sneers will curve many a-faces. But in the end those incredulous to what you put up with to help, no longer matter. It's not between you and those people, but with those whom you have given your hand to lift, and of course to God who Is watching and noting it in your book.
I'm sure that two months from now you'll all be reflecting on Bournemouth and saying what a great weekend it was. :)
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2013 19:33:32 GMT
Sorry about the drivel - I was trying to be funny!
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Post by Chris on Jan 10, 2013 20:01:44 GMT
Thank you :-*
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Post by milhouse on Jan 11, 2013 8:42:44 GMT
To get this back on track as an information thread and away from the earler drivel, critical of all our efforts to get Bournemouth back on an even keel. Several bookings today and more expected tomorrow. Available 100 Allocated 45
Double 27 Family 3 Single 6 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 4 Total 45
Sav Can you please explain this comment please ? Where has anyone been critical of your (or Chrissie's) efforts ? >:(
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Post by alan on Jan 12, 2013 11:07:41 GMT
How much is the hire of the Hall?
Why don't we charge £10 per player for entry and give half of the entry fees to the Queens for the room hire?
If we get 60 or 70 pairs that will be £600 or £700 for the Queens.
It would also mean that the players are paying for the room hire which is how it should be.
Wouldn't that then mean the Queens would be able to reduce their prices to be more in line with other establishments nearby?
Just a thought for the future.....
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Post by Chris on Jan 13, 2013 7:57:10 GMT
Hi Alan
Their stated price of hire is £1000 per day and we take it for 3 days. Friday to set up and Saturday and Sunday for the event.
However there are often deals that can be made for such places as I well know when running corporate events. It will all depend on the package around the facility as to how much reduction you can secure.
We will though be looking at a variety of options for next year and every idea suggested here will be investigated as an alternative for 2014.
Many thanks Chris
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Post by bigtj on Jan 14, 2013 11:29:35 GMT
At short notice Chris and Chrissie have worked hard to ensure this years event takes place, and have already pledged to take a long loook at costings and venues for next year. This is a great event and lets not sour it with unecessary critism, and also not bicker at the two people who have inherited the problem, but thank them wholeheartedly.
My thaanks and as usual looking forward to a great weekend.
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 15, 2013 14:55:51 GMT
Latest position, still only 33 pairs entered and just over two weeks to go until the hard and fast closing date.
Available 100 Allocated 47
Double 29 Family 3 Single 6 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 4 Total 47
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 18, 2013 12:54:01 GMT
Latest position after several entries in today's post.
Available 100 Allocated 60
Double 36 Family 3 Single 7 Single Occ Dbl 5 Twin 9 Total 60
We go into the final two weeks of bookings/entries with only 42 pairs thus far. This is twelve down on last year's figure of 54 which was a disaster in itself with the hotel only three quarters full.
Please talk to your friends who may not have entered and remind them there are only two weeks to go!!
Sav
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 19, 2013 13:17:10 GMT
Two weeks to go and a quick scan through shows the people below have not entered so far who played last year.
One or two I believe are not going but could friends of the others remind them that the closing date is in thirteen days.
Sav
Gareth Lloyd Dave France Ian Lelliott Andy Haines Dino Clark Colin Martin Tony Martin Debbie Witney (awaiting entry form) Pete Witney (awaiting entry form) Bert Lovegrove Paul Butcher Merv Yearwood Syl Murphy Adam Squires Rob Hall Jon Sainsbury Richard Corbould Myra Hawkins Lorenzo Hickman Alan Chaloner Bill Trinder Fenella Fisher Graham Bisson
Amended to remove those names now going
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jordans
Distinguished Member
Posts: 657
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Post by jordans on Jan 21, 2013 11:28:48 GMT
Hi Chris,
Darren & Terry Isard are both on your entry list as partners, and Ray Hussey is on the list partnering Ernie.
Andy Haines, Merv Yearwood & Syl Murphy will definitely NOT be there this year. Not sure about Dino Clark, but I doubt it as he partners Andy Haines.
Think that's it for the Wycombe lot!
Thanks, Dawn.
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Post by Chris_Sav on Jan 21, 2013 11:47:44 GMT
Many thanks Dawn,
Chris
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Post by BB Warrior on Jan 21, 2013 13:05:19 GMT
I know that neither Ian Lelliott or Fenella Fisher won't be going this year. :-/
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2013 15:38:09 GMT
Double negative?!!
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