Can I have Sympathy, please?

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Oh, what a day.....

Firstly, I'm delighted that I'm inundated with people wanting spaces at Reading. But I've shot myself in the foot, hoisted my own pettard....

By haggling and bargaining I got the prices down so far that we've managed to go from a dozen or so people definitely interested to everybody clamouring for a space!

I've spent all morning on my laptop writing grovelling letters of apology to all those people I'm having to disappoint. A lot of whom I've now met, a lot of whom have stuck with me through thick & thin. A lot of whom registered their interest in Reading when it was so iffy.......and I feel so, so bad.

Originally, when I first posted about Reading we had 15 spaces to fill. Now we are down to ten. Two of these are reserved for foodie people. Leaving me 8......and the clients have stipulated one of each craft (which I think is sensible) but it's hell out here telling everyone else this.

I just can't say how sorry I am, and how bad it makes me feel, turning all this talent away. There's a huge feeling of 'Will they come back to ATCF in future, or not?'

I need sympathy...please:mummy: The chocolate's not enough any more....

Jules

[Peter]

Sympathy for an organiser?.....................ah, but you're different Jules, so you can have all the sympathy & hugs you need! :nopity::D You're just going to have to step up a level, and go for the big ones! :)

[Apple Tree Crafts]

You're just going to have to step up a level, and go for the big ones! :)


Thanks Peter! All hugs appreciated.

No, I like being on the small side. I don't want to lose the personal side to organising. Which is probably my downfall, because in situations like this, I feel like I'm letting my friends down.

Jules

[craftymate]

You can only do sooo much, the people will have to wait till next time [[[Julie]]].
But there is always the option as sugested to step up a level ;)

Good Luck

[Seahorse]

Dont feel bad!!!Just shows you can aim to accomodate more crafters, as many as you are comfortabel with next year.

Im looking forward to it.Make a banner saying 'Seahorse, Im here' so I can find you amidst all your customers.

[Rodeo Lady]

Jules,

I think you will have no problem keeping your crafters even if they didn't get in this time round.
Reading your posts and all your helpful advise your always willing to share attitude that's what gets loyalty.I just wished you worked up the road (Scotland).

I think this will be a great success and I will bet my bottom dollar it will be bigger next year.

Big Hugs and all the best
Janice.

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Dont feel bad!!!Just shows you can aim to accomodate more crafters, as many as you are comfortabel with next year.

Im looking forward to it.Make a banner saying 'Seahorse, Im here' so I can find you amidst all your customers.

I shall have a sign up saying 'County Seahorse'! You'll spot me a mile away - I'm the loony.:mf:

Janice, I keep telling Lisa I'll get back to Scotland one day....I will too!

Jules

[Tip Top]

Well, if it was me you were writing to then I'd understand because you are personally writing which means a lot more than an email!

Plus, I'd be first to ask for a space at any of your events if only I was closer...... can we not tempt you to come up North??!!:D:D

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Well, if it was me you were writing to then I'd understand because you are personally writing which means a lot more than an email!

Plus, I'd be first to ask for a space at any of your events if only I was closer...... can we not tempt you to come up North??!!:D:D

I did mean emails TipTop. I would love to have hand written 442+ personal letters, but I just can't. And people needed to know the situation sooner than Royal Mail could tell them.

I am still apologising, as lots of people are settling down to their computers after work and getting their disappointing emails from me...

It's just horrible. A total nightmare.

Jules

[swirlyarts]

Plus, I'd be first to ask for a space at any of your events if only I was closer...... can we not tempt you to come up North??!!:D:D

I've tried and it hasn't worked yet!

[Tip Top]

We need to hatch a plan....;)

Or go on holiday where Jules will be holding an event hehehehe!! Oh yes, that thought has crossed my mind a few times but I think I'd struggle to get eveything in the car.

Could always leave something behind heheheheh!!:D

[Snow angel]

Sending you some hugs but its so not your fault (((((((((((hugs))))))))))) but i do know how you feel i have had to do the same thing no where near as many people as you have had to tell so i do feel for you

[candles by lisa]

To be truthful Jules I would rather be let down than go to an event where you have lots of people making the same thing - if you have one of each craft the people at the event have a better chance of selling and that is definitely a big plus in my books. I hate it when you go somewhere and it is full of the same craft - it's not good for the people buying and it's not god for the people selling - so don't beat yourself up about it. Just point out next year if they want a chance get their bookings in early.

And come on holiday and do a craft fair up here that would be soooo good - I am pig sick of organisers up here I think I only know of 1 organiser who actually cares who comes to her shows and restricts them to 1 or 2. I'm sure Janice will agree the amount of duff ones we have been at.

Cheers.

Lisa

:D

[woodtattoos]

Jules,

I don't think anyone could possibly be put off working with you just because you have been limited by the size of an event.

I'm looking forward to your 2008 events and hopefully being involved.

Si.

[Apple Tree Crafts]

...thanks.

You guys are such a tonic. I do feel better today.

And I did get some sewing done yesterday evening. I'm going to a Ladies Evening tonight, as a seller. It's being organised by someone else, which will be nice. Might learn a few new tricks......

I'm busy making smaller things; tea-cup pincushions, scented pictures etc as there won't be much room to display my full range. We've got table top space only.....

I think the organiser has crammed in as many tables as possible, but that's fine because this is for charity.

Jules

[Seahorse]

Jules, are you coming all the way form Somerset??!!

[Apple Tree Crafts]

Jules, are you coming all the way form Somerset??!!


Not sure if we'll find a Travelodge, or go home every night. After Reading, I shall be spending my Christmas sound asleep....

Himself says it's not too bad a drive. Something like 100 miles from WsM to Reading town centre straight up the M4, and he's willing to do it, but I'm still making sure he doesn't over-do things.

The oldest will be home from Uni, so it's not a problem to stay overnight. The younger ones will be looked after.

The foodies are coming from Cornwall......:o

Jules

[Seahorse]

May be cheapert to stay.Just did some googling.there is a goorgeous place that I thought ws just a restaurant/bar but apparently its a hotel.
5-10 minutes walk form where youl be.Its all wattle n daub with black beams and cobble stones, I just love it,just the entrance court whisks you back about 300 years.
Il pm you the name.

[Apple Tree Crafts]

May be cheapert to stay.Just did some googling.there is a goorgeous place that I thought ws just a restaurant/bar but apparently its a hotel.
5-10 minutes walk form where youl be.Its all wattle n daub with black beams and cobble stones, I just love it,just the entrance court whisks you back about 300 years.
Il pm you the name.

It's £144 for two nights in double room, inc breakfast. Might have to think about that.....

Jules

[Seahorse]

It's £144 for two nights in double room, inc breakfast. Might have to think about that.....

Jules

So petrol wise would the hotel work out cheaper?

[Apple Tree Crafts]

So petrol wise would the hotel work out cheaper?


No comparison really....

jules

[ellie]

hey jules

check out the travelodge website, i had a look at reading hotels and found one for £19 (that was on the friday night and i would have thought that the other days would be similar prices!)

I appreciated your email, it's so much nicer then having no response at all which seems to be the approach that some other organisers take when their events are full!

i find if chocolate doesnt work.. then baileys usually does the trick! x