Peckham Rye Fete Feedback.

[bonniebird]

Cate, there wasn't the time for more classes, there were 7 as it was, as far as I'm aware the same dog didn't win twice, and why not have a retired dog trainer judge it? How on earth could you get the crowd to judge that number of dogs? As for the puppy thing, some larger breeds don't mature until 18 months to 2 years old and as you said its about raising money, more puppies entering, more money FUN FUN FUN!!

Leaglebeagle, well done to your CKC and your little 4 year old :)) glad you were pleased! WOO HOO!

Millie42 thanks for your offer of help next time, I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated, better luck with your Cocker next time too:) Watch this space when the fete committee ask for help next year, great ideas about small craft businesses getting involved etc. Usually, with bands, they want money from what I remember when I was on committee, we tried to get a steel band from a school once too, but because of the new school year being so close and a few other problems it didn't happen.

[milliemum]

bonniebird Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I think the people who arranged the fete did a

> stirling job. I was on the committee a few years

> back and the fete is bloody hard work to organise

> and on the day. The problem is that they need more

> volunteers and people to organise things. I agree

> that more games etc and things for kids would be

> good, but if there is no one to organise the games

> and man them, then what can they do?

>

>Totally agree Bonniebird. I thought it was the best fete we have had and I know how much effort Boosboss and the others put into it....hours of their own time. The suggestions are really helpful but I'm sure that more volunteers are needed in order to take them forward for next year. I think I'm right in saying (may well be wrong) that a lot of the current volunteers have dogs hence the doggy nature of the day. I thought the idea suggested for parents who are getting involved in craft projects having stalls and maybe organising more child-centred activities would be good and who better to do it. I loved the dog show although have to try desperately hard not to be upset when my Elsie doesn't win!!!! Although we did get 4th in dog and owner lookalike....not sure whether to be pleased or not! I believe that the judge is qualified (whatever that entails) as she judges at my dog club for the kennel club. I like the idea of the audience voting too...maybe we could try that one year. Also, could we bring back 'best rescue story'?

>

>

>

[Catalyst]

Cate, there wasn't the time for more classes, there were 7 as it was, as far as I'm aware the same dog didn't win twice, and why not have a retired dog trainer judge it? How on earth could you get the crowd to judge that number of dogs? As for the puppy thing, some larger breeds don't mature until 18 months to 2 years old and as you said its about raising money, more puppies entering, more money FUN FUN FUN!!

By any regular person in the street's reckoning there were loads of dogs in the first event that were clearly not puppies. Also let's be honest, most dogs have long passed the 'cute' stage by 24 months.

Personally I thought it would have been more 'FUN' if it hadn't been so uptight. It felt more like a wanna-be Crufts than a light hearted event for dogs and their owners. The MC was very good though.

[Catalyst]

I believe that the judge is qualified (whatever that entails) as she judges at my dog club for the kennel club.

While obviously a very knowledgeable judge, I think a more informal approach would be more suited.

Also, could we bring back 'best rescue story'?

I overheard one of the entrants telling the judge a lovely story about how her Staffie was rescued from a horrible previous life (used for breeding etc.). The judge seemed rather dismissive.

[boosboss]

All points have been noted and will be considered for next year. :)

As Battersea was mentioned, They're holding their annual reunion/fun day/fair at Battersea Park this coming Sunday 13/09. All welcome :))

Catalyst Wrote:

The MC was very good though.

I think he likes the sound of his own voice a bit too much personally! Just don't tell him I said that! ;-)

[PeckhamRose]

Edited as I have now done the work and they walked over to the LOUNGE

PLEASE NOTE: THESE PHOTOS ARE TAKEN ON A 45 YEAR OLD Kodak Brownie 127 black and white roll film camera.

Below should be the sunflowers, which itself was taken on a 13 year old film!

[Elizabeth Bennet]

Can we just remember that this is a small village type fete organised and run by a few local residents (with busy lives who do this in their spare time) with no sponsorship or help or money apart from ?1000 donated by Southwark council that barely pays for the tables and marquee. Every year we beg for volunteers to help out and very few poeple come forward which is why it is impossible to make the event any bigger and run many of the activiies suggested much as we would like to.

I think that there was more than enough for the children - Fancy dress, bouncy castle, punch and judy, winnie the pooh, coconut shy, face painter, catford modellers, sack and other races, lucky dip etc. Just to give you an idea - it took seven hours just to wrap up 100 lucky dip presents let alone go the the shops and buy them and all ....

Live music and bands would be great - but everyone approached from a lone guitar to a local band want paying vast amounts of money that we just don't have.

The cake stall has fresh cakes baked by very few volunteers who have to take time off work to bake around the clock the 24 hours before the fete .... We just never have enough cakes but again we never have enough volunteers to bake them.

With regards to the dog show.............I agree the judge was rubbish - my dog was the small white fluffy thing who should have won...................yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bonniebird]

I am with you Elizabeth! Well said, except for the last 2 lines of course:))

[Sue]

After last year's fete, The Goose offered to put on local singers and musicians all through this year's fete - with no charge for either our organising it or the singers' time - but nobody got back to us after an initial expression of interest.

Very happy to arrange something for next year.

[Pickle]

I'd also be able to help with some music groups next year if necessary - flute/saxaphone groups etc who would happily donate their time.

[Elizabeth Bennet]

That would be great - any offers of help in any category is what we need. we will advertise on the forum next year when we start the planning. The more help we get the better we can make it.

[J. McNulty]

No offence, but I think the so-called 'Peckham Rye fete' had a remarkable resemblance to an eastern European caravan site. The only thing missing was a bearded lady and a handful of circus folk. I?m still trying to get the smell of cabbage out of my hair.

[sophiesofa]

I didn't go J McN but that seems a bit harsh! It's a local fete to raise money, organised by volunteers so of course it's not going to be on the same scale as say the Ben and Jerrys festival and nor should it be.

[J. McNulty]

sophiesofa, it's a shame you didn?t go, as you too would have the smell of cabbage and nightmarish flashbacks following you around. I?m not too interested in the ? ?it?s the thought that counts? argument, because in 99% of cases, it?s not!

[reetpetite]

Cabbage! What cabbage ? Have I missed something ?

[sophiesofa]

What did you expect then? Free champagne and slippers on arrival? "because in 99% of cases, it?s not" is simply not true or do you have some facts and figures?

[Elizabeth Bennet]

aaah gypsey violins, witches of Peckham boiling cabbages and toads in a cauldron, Morticia Adams dancing the tango with a hound in the ring, Count Dracula serving bloodied Pimms, goblins and demons from Transylvania..... what great ideas - I salivate now as put on my black frock, sharpen my fangs and plan how to tell the committee in my best Russian accent of my great theme for next years fete!!!!

[citizenED]

I went to the Fete with my two little boys and we loved it. Watched the Punch and Judy - and looked on bemusedly at the little thugettes throwing stuff at Mr Punch (proving that the Fete was indeed in Peckham, not ED), enjoyed the dog show, had a go on the (free) bouncy castle and spent ages in the Fire Engine. Then to the Cafe for a drink. Lovely weather, great atmosphere. What was not to like. Chin up happy punters and many thanks to the organisers.

[bonniebird]

Hmmm J.Mcnulty...........if I don't wax for the next year, I could be a moustached lady for ya:)) theres a circus over the rye now in case your missing out, never much cared for them myself! And the cabbage, well luckily for me I like cabbage>:D< and as for the european caravan site??? What on earth are you on about!

[Elizabeth Bennet]

ah McNulty - your dreams have been answered.... Zippos have arrived on Peckham Rye - am sure they can boast a few East European clowns for you!! Though could not yet smell the cabbage.... never mind there was a lovely whiff of horse manure to keep you happy!!

[Emily]

It was good, the dogs were cute and the tea-ladies in particular delightful....but the NOISE! The PA was way over-amplified and the music made it impossible to talk to or hear your kids or friends or hear the punch and judy. Deafening and oppressive.

[ruthmct]

Emily Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> It was good, the dogs were cute and the tea-ladies

> in particular delightful....but the NOISE! The PA

> was way over-amplified and the music made it

> impossible to talk to or hear your kids or friends

> or hear the punch and judy. Deafening and

> oppressive.

Agreed! I enjoyed the whole fete, but the fancy dress competition was spoilt for me because the music wasn't turned down when the announcements were made about the winners - it was impossible to hear anything the judge was saying. It must have been disappointing for the children who took part and their families.

Ruth

[PeckhamRose]

Last year if I remember correctly there were complaints that we could not HEAR the PA. I can't be ar$sed to find the feedback thread for last year but I am sure that those complaints were heard and BoosBoss said he would take all the complaints and considerations and suggestions on board.

[boosboss]

You're right PR, we added another speaker this year because of previous comments. We did order a mic that would cut out the music when someone needed to speak, but unfortunately it wasn't supplied. Next year we'll have the appropriate mic and will be looking to relocate the Punch & Judy so that the pa system isn't quite so imposing.

[boosboss]

Just looking back through this thread as we start to organise this years fete (04.09.10).

Still looking for ideas and more importantly volunteers!!!!!!

If you're interested in helping, please email [email protected]

Musicians too, please email [email protected]