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Old 13th Mar 2018, 11:32 am   #24
Paul Stenning
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Cardiff
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Default Re: BVWS Harpenden Sun 11th March

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trifocaltrev View Post
However one has to remember that the bulk of the items offered at BVWS Auctions are transported from the BVWS Store near Swindon to the events. If the events are too far away from the stores our excellent team may well feel that the distance involved is too great to justify the considerable effort involved in loading the van over several days and then a greater travelling time to the venue, which will involve greater expense.

At the end of the day, we have to remember that these events are only made possible by the time and effort freely given by an unpaid band of volunteers.
Also bear in mind that the RWB auctions are set up the night before, which is the only way it can be done for a big auction with lots of large, heavy and valuable lots. So anywhere that was more than an hour or so from the BVWS store would need overnight accommodation for Mike and others, and van hire if it is more than one van load.

This all costs money, and we have to make sure the auctions are financially viable, with all costs covered by the seller's fees. It is also a lot of work, all unpaid, for Mike and other volunteers.

There is also the cost of hiring the hall on the Saturday evening as well as Sunday. This is viable at RWB Memorial Hall because the hire cost is reasonable (although I believe Saturday evening costs us nearly as much as all day Sunday).

Harpenden is set up on the morning, which is why it is normally a smaller auction with lower quality lots - quicker and easier to unload and set up (the back entrance to the stage helps too).

The same sort of items are sold at the BVWS stall at Golborne, for the same reason.

If there are members in the vicinity of any new venue who can volunteer their time to help with setting up, maybe have a guest bedroom to avoid hotel costs, or a van to do a run to Devizes and back, that would all help.
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