Lofs Dinner 2012

**DP43** · 03-08-2011, 13:46

If you are looking at venues in and around Newtown check the link below, I haven't been there for years but it is well established in the local area.

http://www.maesmawr.co.uk/

**Gwyn Nicholas** · 04-08-2011, 13:30

[QUOTE=tony.t.corbett;57929]Having chosen to go to Newtown next year one or to stories have reached my ears about taking a backward step,and there is less there than Llandrindod Wells.

Tony, what is a "backward step". If numbers are on the decrease since moving from L/Wells, it seems to me that a backward step is what is needed to get back to the numbers that supported the LOF before the change. I agree with everything JT has said about the importance of location and the ambience of the venue. I know that there were a number of issues with the hotel in L/wells (which have been covered before by Bob) however that sort of venue certainly appeals more than, as JT put it, a motel off a junction of a motorway. (Well put JT by the way). What is the LOF, is it not a group of friends who get together once a year to catch up and reminice or is it an opportunity for a shopping trip. ("nothing there") From my experience at the LOF, (which I admit is limited) there is very little time to "catch up" with anyone save those on your table during the meal so I would have thought the daytime would have been ideal for just that. That plus an hour or two siesta to prepare for the evening. (Friday nighters) I think it is time for a little honesty here, what is it that members want, and is it to the benefit of the majority or to appease the wishes of the few who want change for change sake. If it wasn't broken in the first place why try to fix it.

**Clive Rees (08)** · 04-08-2011, 19:49

You were obviously being facetious!!

**Clive Rees (08)** · 04-08-2011, 19:51

Not you Nick, John Turner!

**ap1** · 05-08-2011, 08:57

I've banged on about this before.

Personally I think the choice of the Ramada at Wrexham was ill advised. Although its a good hotel, its location is not great and its really designed for business travellers. Having to plead for members to attend will do nothing to increase bums on seats. Quite the opposite. It does appear the attendees are split into two categories:

1. Those who attend year in/out regardless of location.

2. Those who will attend if its convenient to their location. Look at the members who turned up at Wrexham. A few of them have been absent for quite a few years. Same deal at Cardiff.

I think the LOF needs to start from year zero and concentrate initially on Category 1.

Tailor the event to match the numbers of those who attend every year regardless. Pick a really nice location (Maesmawr Hall is worth a look at) and have a sit down dinner. If you put 20 friends around a table in a nice location, give them good food and drink, the rest will flow. Its then a case of adding a couple of new attenders every year. Basically what we should be offering is a great weekend away in a nice location, in a good hotel, with the opportunity to eat and drink with our friends and peers. At the moment, the present format in a large function room with disco etc is not sustainable and unattractive so change it. If you can guarantee that 35 members will attend, that is a sizeable dinner party. It would also mean the LOF leadership is not having to face the worry of dwindling numbers each year.

I agree with JT to a point about locations. My issue with the Metropole would be that it had gone down hill severely when we finally left. Cardiff was a good location, the problem for me was the hotel, again it was a business location and very functional.

As always, I would point out that I make these comments having attended fairly often over the last 12 years, only recently having to miss the events due to being out of the UK. I fully intend to be there once I finish my present work.

**Vic Hughes 53** · 05-08-2011, 12:15

All,I agree with Al. Could the LoF look at a date change as well, normally the LoF WE is in and around the Easter leave / time period, would it be possible to scope one of the Bank Holiday WE in May, where perhaps people will look at it as good LWE break away from home with their partner as well as meeting friends from the past.I have only attended a few and normally with my wife and parents but that has been more to do with Bn committements than anything else.Only a thoughtVic 53

**anitacorbett** · 05-08-2011, 18:27

As a non member, I think John's hit the nail on the head but instead of ringing why not text? I bet nearly all the LOFs have mobiles & would be cheaper than ringing, though not so instant.
Just my two pennies worth.
Anita x

**tony.t.corbett** · 08-08-2011, 15:11

Thanks for that Anita, and all who have so far contributed to this discussion,it would be nice if we had a few replies from
members of the 1st Bn Mess is there anybody there? Bob Bacon whats happene to your reply it seems to have disappeared?
TC

**John Turner** · 15-08-2011, 01:35

This topic http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/sho...s-Dinner-2012. - started almost 4 months ago, has no replies to date and the guy that started it, the secretary, has not followed it up in any way (at time of me posting this) or visited the forum since the 4th of this month.

This topic was started before that. Just saying.

**tony.t.corbett** · 15-08-2011, 18:03

GOOD at least someone read it? yet no one commented at the time. The Secretary has been working tirelessly behind the scenes looking for suitable venues in close communication with myself and Allan Phillips .and has been at Summer Camp for the past few weeks with Army Cadet Force. Thanks for reviving this thread John, I hope there are more comments to come from members?

TC