MEET-UPS

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Of the 39 people who took part in the Made in Devon Team survey, 36 said that they would like the team to be more active. There was a strong indication that many people would like to meet up on a fairly regular basis. (Over 80%).

Being spread out over a large county I think a good option would to have meet-ups on a regional rotation. I’m not suggesting that regular meets will be compulsory or that anyone would be expected to turn up to every meet-up in their area. Nor that each area has a meeting every month. What I’m suggesting is that a meeting/meet-up takes place somewhere in Devon most months. For example, if there were 4 areas organising meet-ups, each area would meet up 3 times a year. For this to happen there will be a need for regular organisers.

I can’t see from the survey who has said that they would be interested in hosting &/or organising regional meet ups. So please make yourself known or contact me if you would like to chat about it first.

The focus for a meet-up would probably evolve in response to the interests of the people available to meet up in any particular area.

From the survey “Event planning” was the most popular reason for a meet-up. But “chat & cake” was also popular. Skills exchange involving skills to help your Esty business looked more popular than skills exchanges involving trying out different crafts.

It would be nice if feedback from meet ups was shared with those who couldn’t get there in the forum and perhaps a few photos added to the Facebook page?

Anyone with bright ideas, please share them here.
And potential organisers make yourself known and say which area you are in (nearest big town?)

Let’s make a start!

Thanks

Lynn

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Quarterly meets sound good. I'll help out with what I can, but I am needed for some industry specific events, so I don't have much free time.


Damian

[YellowT4Studio]

Some nice locations in Plymouth for get together.

Janners

[Jamberoon]

I'm in Torquay, is that a big enough town? Exeter is best for me, but Plymouth is good too (I'm betwixt the two really) Not sure what would be involved in Hosting an event or meet up though as I've never done one or even been to one.

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Thanks for the input so far Damian, Janners and Kim,

From the survey 7 people said they would be interested in helping to host &/or organise and a further 22 indicated that they might be interested but would need to talk about it first.

I hope these people are not waiting for me to contact them because I can't see who they are, they are just numbers. I hope people get round to visiting the forum soon and make themselves known.

It would be good to have a couple of people from mid and north Devon to speak up too. Then perhaps we could then have a chat via email and decide a regional rotation and how to take this forward.

Looks like we need to be patient...... not my best quality..... After a while when people notice that I haven't got back to them they might visit the forum to see what is happening?

Janners & Kim, it looks like both of you might be potential hosts, with Damian in support for the Okehampton area(?) I’m sure we’ll get a better picture when people wake up (fingers crossed). Meanwhile, don’t think I’m ignoring you, but this might take some time to set up.

And now I'm going into the workshop to get on with some printmaking.

Cheers

Lynn

[FloraBubble]

Hello!!
I'm definitely interested in meet ups, being a relative newbie I would feel a bit uncomfortable jumping straight in and starting to organise them but I'd happily lend support to anyone who is!!
Is anyone going to the Exeter Craft Fair in July? It was mentioned on the facebook page that this could be a good opportunity for an informal meet up. I'll be heading up for a browse.
Sarah

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Support? Yep, I'll bake a cake. ;-)

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Yes - cake is always welcome.... where's the like button....

Still waiting for more people to come forward from other areas....


Re meeting up at the Exeter Craft Fair in July I have started a thread for gathering names here - https://www.etsy.com/teams/15348/made-in-devon/discuss/16324650/?ref=team_page

Thanks
L

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Still hoping that more people will speak up to say they are willing to help with this. In the survey 7 said they were interested in helping to organise or host and 22 said they would like to talk about it first.......

This will not happen unless people come forward to help.

Hello.... where are you......

;-)

[ChummyMummyDevon]

Hi I'm new to the team I live in Paignton which is close to Torquay but would be happy to travel to Plymouth or Exeter with enough notice. If someone's organising a meet in Torquay I'm happy to be involved in hosting/organising but if it's further away I can only offer food support I'm afraid as I don't know the areas well enough for organising decent venues etc. Hope that helps

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Thanks Zoe!
And to everyone still keen to meet up!

I have been a bit quiet here for a little while – a mixture of excess work, a health scare and general exhaustion. Just the normal ebbs & flow of life!

Part of the exhaustion is possible due to being disappointed that although there was much positivity from the survey saying that people wanted the team to be more active – this is proving to be very difficult to achieve in practice. Only a few of those ticking a box to say they could help have actually made themselves known.

But it’s nearly the end of term for me work-wise, so I hope to put some real attention into how to take thing forward soon.

In a couple of days time, I shall unpin this thread from the top section of discussions and highlight the one already started about having a meet up at The Contemporary Craft Fair on Exeter Cathedral Green next month.

L

[ChummyMummyDevon]

Hi Lynn sorry to hear about your health scare that can't have been much fun. I hope your feeling better. I missed the post about meeting up at Exeter craft fayre. All being well I'd be interested in meeting up there. If there's anything else I can help with in the mean time don't hesitate to give me a shout.

Cheers

[Lasercutz]

Hi Lynn, hope you are feeling better, take it easy and don't worry about the team - I'm sure it will blossom in it's own time ;)

Best
Dave

[Former_Member]

Hello, and thank you for letting me join your team!

[Lasercutz]

Hi Angie, welcome to the team ;)

Best
Dave