Issue 5 – Thursday 3 August
From your Programme Coordinator
Sometimes it feels like we are stuck in this small box staring at computer screens in the middle of a field where lots of other people are having a really fun, interesting and educational time. It's difficult to get out and really find out what’s going on, what works, what doesn't, what could be improved, how people are feeling and what global village is really like! Today I went for a wander...I spoke to different people from the themes and centres, from villages, and towns, the young and the slightly older. I've asked questions and I've listened to the answers, as a result there are going to be some changes around here, so i hope you're listening too!
Firstly, and most importantly: today there will be no sign up sheets. Lots of people complained that it didn't seem to matter whether they had signed up or not. Sometimes workshops have no people signed up but lots of people turn up and sometimes workshops have lots of people signed up and no one turns up. We have also had difficulties recruiting volunteers to staff the town marquees and bring all 500 sheets back. Instead will we publish complete lists of all of the activities with the descriptions, locations, and maximum number of participants in all villages. They will be put up during the afternoon of the day before so that in the evening people can look at the activities for the following day.
Secondly, and particularly helpfully, all theme and centre coordinators have been asked to ensure that if an activity is cancelled they put a poster near the entrance to their centre to notify any people hoping to do that activity. The info point will also have a copy of all activities taking place so that people can see what they are able to go to instead.
Thirdly, and quite critically, please report major problems and incidents, to the info point as soon as they happen, it is much easier for the central team to respond if we know as soon as possible.
Fourthly, and very excitingly, there are still spaces available for YourDay where you, the participants, run the programme. Among a lot of other exciting things so far we have a model United Nations, music making workshops, a big rally about the conflict in the middle east, food tasting, wide games in the woods, and dance classes. If you would like to add your activity to this list please pick up a form from the info point and fill in the details.
Finally, and ridiculously enjoyably, the open day is fast approaching! There are not only great workshops and drop in activities for campers and guests, an international market where you can set up a stall to sell your goods, services or perform your tricks, but also a chance to perform live on the main stage! It’s going to be awesome!
That's all folks! If you have any comments, compliments or complaints that you would like to feed my way, please visit the info point and pick up a programme feedback form, as much as it gets a bit lonely and boring in the office its much better if people go to the info point first, they know everything, almost!