Carson's Comment

[edwin]

Greetings to you again as we close out on yet another year in our history.

I will get to the point and state for the record again that I could not get not even a cup at one point not to mention a drink at the reunion.The problem for me is that having paid some 40 dollars and invited two friends one from Germany It's very sad that we could not get to the bar one and then when we got to the bar to be told we are out of cups,then the soft drink of choice being coke.

Last year I raised this point and it was to be addressed.Clearly it was not.
Now to the ones who may think I am being picky please solicit some feedback from others before you reply to understand what others have been saying.We are going to run people away and this is not good.I invite Mr Ian Inniss to ask some others what were their concerns.Additionally the hall remains very hot again why cant we buy 2 fans industrial ones to help with the cooling.

Other than that you cannot come there and get not even a crumb at midnight which is not good ,if that is the case why take money then?My guests are the ones complaining ok.Take note.

[temp1]

Although what has been said about the bar is true, I have noted that this year the planners of the event added another bar ... no doubt in effort to alleviate the same shortage that Carson is talking about. I suppose the planners should add additional bartenders ... by the way Ice came later, but there were no cups.

As for the fans, there were two large (6' or 8') water cool fans at the back of the hall, two 4' industrial fans at the front and one in the corridor.

As for the food ... I fully agree with Mr. Carson, we need to add additional food. Inexpensive food can be added to the menu like Rice, Barbecue Hotdogs & Burgers.

In any event ... kudos to the Executive, but please resolve the issues that are raised on this forum for next year.

[Victor Gittens]

Apart from the catering difficulties mentioned, it is clear that the reunion event has outgrown the school hall. Perhaps a large tent and two additional food service stations should be considered for next year.

[PaulGLeach]

I've read both Carson's and Linda's comments and I have to say that I agree with them both. Perhaps its time to relook the reunion and possibly moving it from a Friday night lime to a Saturday afternoon barbeque type activity where food and drinks can be on sale and the entire school grounds can be utilized. The event can run from 3 or 4 pm until the last person wants to leave. For the persons who like to party, the hall can be used for the dancehall activity after 9pm. This type of activity would certainly offer more time for socialising and allow more old Combermerians to come out and participate. Coming out ona Firday night after a long work week can be a bit much, especially for those of us who have kids and no easy access to a babysitter.

[brenbren]

Just like the last time I went, i.e. 2007, the food has been an issue for me. What I found strange is that with an increased fee of $40. plus $30. for dues and then asking for an additional contribution, we could have been treated a little better foodwise. I have come to realize that a lot of person turn up later in the night, towards midnight and by the time they arrive, food is either gone or near gone. There should be a constant supply of food, drink and ice throughout the night. I actually had to use a hot drink without ice - something I don't normally do. So, next year, I hope that there can be a better solution.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself although I didn't do as much as I should have. Just seeing the old boys again sure brought back 'nice' memories.

I like the idea of the Friday night lime. I would hope that it isnt changed as per Paul Gleach's comment. In fact, his Saturday idea sounds great! Maybe that should replace the expensive dinner.
Some karaoke would have been good too!
Just my .02 cents

[Mince]

I agree with most of the comments made on this issue. What I haven’t heard said yet is that the reunion is no longer a reunion and that there are now a lot of Non-Combermerians at the event. One therefore needs to ask themselves why so many Non-Combermerians are coming to a CSOSA reunion. I would say there are 2 main reasons: 1 – As Linda mentioned, the fete, this has now become a fete and this is drawing people that come to fete. 2 - $40 is NOT a lot of money for premium drinks (while they last) and finger foods, let’s not forget the fete.
We therefore need to make this event the reunion that it use to be. Let’s sing the school song ALL night with the lights on, Saturday night after the dinner is fete time. And let’s determine scientifically what it will cost to provide proper service at the reunion and price the entrance fee accordingly. We may have to cater for those old scholars at UWI/BCC etc, but otherwise let’s charge what we need to. It would also be good to see an audited statement of the event over the years so that people know how it has grown and what the costs/revenue is like.

Just my thoughts.

Mark Ince