[Klug-general] KLUG Meeting

[Kevin Groves]

On 25/03/15 11:23, Glen Skiner wrote:
>
> My turn to apologise for my absence.  Been job hunting! Fun!
>

No worries. Good luck with the job hunting.

> Anyway, the brokers got back to me today.  The lowest most would go to 
> was £500 but he managed to fine for that would do it for £230 which is 
> very good indeed.
>

Not a bad drop.

> This would cover the Orchard space for KLUG or for a makerspace but 
> only this space and not the former space in Canterbury.  If we wanted 
> to move it would cost a bit more to add another space.
>

There are a few on this list that have maker space experience... Which 
Canterbury one is that?


> Hi Glen
> Family stuff taking a little time ... Agree, PLI is an obstacle for 
> KLUG due to the totally informal nature. May need to think about a 
> small annual subscription for KLUG. A Makerspace ..? May be beyond my 
> skills/time .. but tell me more ....


Annual subscription.... Well, that caused the initial rift at the 
formation of the LUG back in 2001/2. A bit of history into why I've not 
ventured back that way. I took over the LUG at this time and was 
searching for a venue (nothing ever changes) but I was lucky to find a 
computer club up in Maidstone, they were desparate for members as due to 
the internet their numbers were dropping as most were using that to find 
help. They were a long established club with a formal AGM and member 
subscriptions with a nice large hall. I jumped at the chance as it gave 
our new group a foot hold, as at the time Linux was in demand and people 
were looking for help with installations.

Soon we were out numbering the original members and they being Windows 
based were starting to feel a little resentful and so myself and a 
number of other members became full members of their club so we could 
support the costs. But still the venue prices went up and the club 
wanted more of a cost to cover it so we had to ask members to give 
support. That failed and lead to us and the club going separate ways. 
The sudden loss of income I think caused that club to end.

Now I have nothing against having subscriptions as such, the requirement 
there would be that it would have to be a commitment on all sides in 
support from more people to make the group actually function as a 
committee as after all, this is not Kev's Geeky Chat Time, its a User 
Group. With having a firm core we can then deliver on that subscription, 
do proper events at proper paid locations, get people in to talk and 
perhaps group trips out. These things take time and effort, I have 
little time myself, but it can be done, for example last Saturday after 
three months of arranging things I managed to pull off a very important 
symposium with very busy people from all over the country at a venue I 
had never been to before in Bristol. What I am saying is, if there is 
demand and commitment this kind of thing can be done and I am willing to 
do so.

Are we actually wanting to do events where we meet? From experience of 
event management over the years I know its easy for people to say they 
are interested and are coming but actually the numbers that you end with 
can be vastly different. I know things crop up and that is fine.

A bit long winded way of saying yes we can but we will lose many because 
of it. But if we are left with those who are committed and passionate 
about the group then I don't feel that is a huge loss. We can do a lot 
with LUG if we tried.

Looking at the meetup site (which I utterly hate) the next payment is 
due in July. I may or may not renew that. This weekend I will get some 
dates for social meets at the pub, I first need to find out what times 
they open as I don't go to pubs and how no idea what opening times are.

Kev












>
> Paul
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Glen Skiner <junkfoodjunki at gmail.com 
> <mailto:junkfoodjunki at gmail.com>>
> *To:* Paul Lawrence <paul.z.lawrence at btinternet.com 
> <mailto:paul.z.lawrence at btinternet.com>>
> *Sent:* Monday, 16 March 2015, 10:33
> *Subject:* Re: KLUG Meeting
>
> Okay so,
> - It's an "Empty" shop unit with tables and 50 chairs.
> - Has tea and coffee making facilities,
> - Needs Public Liability,
> - Contact: debbiecarey at orchardsdartford.co.uk 
> <mailto:debbiecarey at orchardsdartford.co.uk>
> So for KLUG may not be great due to needing public liability 
> insurance.  As for a makerspace, well I may look into getting public 
> liability insurance for the club (not an individual).
> Glen
> On 16 Mar 2015 09:49, "Glen Skiner" <junkfoodjunki at gmail.com 
> <mailto:junkfoodjunki at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>     Thanks great. I have sent an email over the weekend.  If I don't
>     get a response I was going to follow up today, but let me know
>     what they say.
>     Glen
>     On 16 Mar 2015 08:50, "Paul Lawrence"
>     <paul.z.lawrence at btinternet.com
>     <mailto:paul.z.lawrence at btinternet.com>> wrote:
>
>         Hi Glen,
>         I'll contact the Orchard today asking what they mean by
>         community group and come back to you. If it's positive, I'd be
>         up to help.
>
>         VBR
>         Paul
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Kent at mailman.lug.org.uk
> https://mailman.lug.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/kent

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